And the ceremony rocked on.....

Okay, so it was hot as hell this afternoon when Ivy got to my place, so we, or actually I, decided that we were going to run to Starbucks first and get icy cold drinks before we get on the road, but then we had to make three stops first before we actually headed towards Rosemead--gotta get stuff, go to the gas station, and pick up Michelle. Michelle was so nice though; she picked up flowers! So we didn't have to make one more stop. The drive over there was long, and it was hot, and I was irritated as shit. Oh Gosh, how was I ever going to find the words and the energy to honor Patricia?

When we got to Helen's house, my dress ripped again! Helen was so excited to see us, and all I did was to rush her to sew it back up for me. Patricia was there already, forever punctual. Then Helen and I went to clean up the table and chair in the little park near by (or actually I watched her do it more.) Ordered food, and people gradually showed up. I was so tired physcially that I couldn't really talk much, but it was SO GREAT to see everyone, especially Stephen, since I haven't seen that boy in forever. We had a nice dinner outside with candle light, and I got a little buzzed off the wine. Of course folks started talking about CPAF, and it was different: we weren't as angry anymore, and we mostly ridiculed them. But! There were moments where we were so angry on the behalf of those who still are there, espeically Geeta, since they are putting her through so much shit. Regardless, it was wonderful to see everyone.

Then we went back inside to do the rock ceremony. Ivy spoke first, and then Michelle, Geeta, Tracey, Stephen, me and Helen. Tracey, Helen and I all cried--Helen seriously was bawling there. I love this team. It is just the most cohesive team in the sense that we experienced something very intense together, day in, day out, for many months. Patricia has been such a core member on this team that every single one of us has been touched by her. Everyone commented on how calm, selfless, strong, graceful, kind, compassionate, flexible and intelligent she is. I truly feel like Patricia has changed my life forever--I had never met anymore more selfless, hard-working and patient than her. Helen perhaps said it the best: "Sometimes I feel like smart and nice just don't go together, but you put the two together like no one else. You are one of the few people that is willing to sacrifice your own benefits to pursue justice." Love Helen. It was a very nice ceremony indeed. Patricia was very happy with the Palm Pilot that we got her, but we had to make her to the little fund we put toegther for her. It was so funny--Tracey was like, then give back the palm! These two are a package and you can't just take one! They actually struggled over the palm and eventually Tracey made her take both. Everyone was cracking up.

Helen's new house was very nice as well. I feel like Helen is so amazing. Can't wait until it is her turn to get ceremonied. I love this team. Love, love, love this team.