A friend whose heart flowed with creativity

I remember a politician back in 2000 who, when asked publicly who his favorite philosopher was, replied, “Jesus,” boasting he was “born again.” I learned long ago that those who thumb their lapels and display their religion with public puffery have generally found salvation in some external ideology and that those who quietly live their daily life with compassion and love find regeneration from within. There is a big difference, for only from this deep inner source can the fruitful waters gush forth to nourish the people and world around them. I knew such a person. He was my friend and mentor, Gregory Ballerino, who died September 30 after a valiant battle

against leukemia. When he became ill, the folks at the Senior Net center, where Greg taught computer graphics, came together to support him. We all feel a deep gratitude to our neighbor, Russ

Hatfield, for his leadership in this. When you share you life with

someone like Greg, your life seems to flourish forever with the joy of

sharing all the simple and beautiful things in life. I love landscaping and my gardens, but Greg saw the beauty in simple things in God’s own garden, such as an elegant weed. I saw him often on his stomach with camera, taking portraits of the jimsonweed. Once I saw him meditating just before the sun rose while a wild rabbit was nibbling grass at his feet. I saw him when he photographed a gigantic western rattlesnake, which occasionally acknowledged Greg’s presence as it moved slowly from west to east across two acres.

I saw many things only because Greg loaned me his eyes to see what he saw. Greg was a teacher who taught what was in his soul and developed the skills to share his munificent bounty.

Greg’s endeavors revealed his inner being. It was such a blessing to be his friend and know his playful humor and his wonderful spirit.

Joe Howard Crews