The Gifts of Sorrow

Dear colleagues in mission,

It is an understatement to say that these past few weeks have been difficult for our community as we have dealt with the loss of our dear friend and University co-founder, Dr. William A. Mitchell, Jr. Bill’s heart was big enough to encompass what Dr. Bastyr called “the truth of the medicine” and still have room for each of us as well. Somehow, his unconditional love of us and his passion to explore all that is unknown pulled us to a place where we could see things more clearly. His immense curiosity and his inclination to dig deep into diverse and unpredictable things worked to make him unusually attractive to all of us. We were literally drawn to him and we were fortunate to have fallen under his influence. He had such an ample mind and such a modest estimation of it. In him were greatness and humility uniquely combined. May we learn from his example.

While we were mourning Dr. Mitchell’s passing, we sustained another tragic loss. Autumn Sansom’s death struck us like a knife, taking from our corporate bosom one whose bright promise as a physician was unfulfilled but who, in her short time among us, blessed us with her intelligence, her smile, her optimism, her passion for life and her confidence in its potential. In a remarkable way, Autumn was like Dr. Mitchell in her capacity to explore, question, love deeply and pull us together.

In these weeks, as I have witnessed our community in mourning, I have come to appreciate one of our great strengths. I affirm that we are a nurturing community. I have seen faculty, students and staff huddled together holding each other as you wept. I have heard your poems, prayers and songs. I have seen extraordinary acts of kindness extended as gestures of comfort—flowers strewn, cookies baked, tired shoulders caressed, silence respected and tears dried by the kisses of Autumn’s dog. I believe that, however reluctantly in our sorrow, we are gratefully accepting the gifts given us by Bill Mitchell and Autumn Sansom. I am proud of you and optimistic about our future because of who you are and who we can yet become.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Daniel K. Church
President, Bastyr University

Gaia's Immune System

I remember Bill teaching our class of 2001. There was one story particularly inspiring to me:

Once upon a time there was a man, and when he turned 40, he decided to change his life. He started doing yoga, changed his diet and became a better person. When he was 90, he rescued a little girl from being hit by a car. When he died at the age of 96, God thanked him for saving this little girl’s life. "Yes," said the man, "I saved her when I was 90." "No," replied God, "you saved her when you were 40, because until you changed your way of living, you were supposed to live only until the age of 82."

After Bill's death his story has acquired even stronger meaning. By changing ourselves to be better, both physically and spiritually - as Bill taught us - we are becoming more and more committed to "being Gaia’s immune system."

And now, when Bill is not here in a physical form, I feel even more responsible to being a part of that immune system.

Bill, we will miss you tremendously! But we now have the skill, the knowledge, and the principles that you taught us. Thank you for giving us a chance to learn from you. We will now continue what you started and never give it up. We’ve seen numerous examples of your kindness, love, courage, and dedication. These will guide us through life. We will always remember that "all we need to do is love one another." We the doctors, the healers, and anyone who was affected by your inspiration will produce so many immune cells that, together, we will save Gaia!

Rest peacefully, and know that we will do it.

With love,

Marina Yanover, ND '02