Containing Death (Reflections/Reflexions‪)‬

February 6, 2005. The memorial celebration for Jeri Wine is being held in Room 2-214 of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), the building where we once worked together. I find a seat in the large, bleak room and survey the scene. Where is everyone? Jeri had touched the lives of so many. I anticipated this cavernous space would be filled to overflowing, as it was in the '80s when feminism galvanized us. Instead, scattered amongst the crowd, I recognize six or seven people I once worked closely with but have not seen in years. We smile, hesitate, and take the leap over past differences. I am delighted to see them. Alienation eases its grip round my throat.