Yesterday I received Lev's school file in the mail. They had emailed me to see if I wanted it and to give me a heads up that it was coming, which was nice.
It's the teachers who have your child all day that grow to really understand them.
From his fifth grade teacher comments: I appreciate Lev's insights and ideas in class discussions. However, he needs to work on his impulsiveness (wait his turn). I would also like to see more effort in his work.
---Mrs. Castor-Peck and Mr. Hester
From his sixth grade teacher: Lev is a charming and talented young man with a writing career ahead of him. He would read all day if I let him. He shares his writings and we are mesmerized at the word choices he uses. Academically he does well, but can be known to rush to get things done. Lev has a contagious laugh and his sense of humor makes me smile.
And at the end of the year, she added: Although you made me work hard everyday, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I will never forget you... you are an intelligent and unique young man, with lots of positive qualities.
--- Mrs. McCloud
October 14, 2012
October 9, 2012
Fwd: Kick start Lev Mann
no comment needed...
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Facebook <notification+y=0cf4yy@facebookmail.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 10:19 PM
Subject: Kick start Lev Mann
To: Rebecca Goertzel <rgoertzel@gmail.com>
From: Facebook <notification+y=0cf4yy@facebookmail.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 10:19 PM
Subject: Kick start Lev Mann
To: Rebecca Goertzel <rgoertzel@gmail.com>
 |
September 2, 2012
July 9, 2012
Two years today
It's a sad day. Some friends and family are coming over to share memories with us.
Two years today.
Rebecca
Two years today.
Rebecca
April 12, 2012
First rock show
A while back, Seether was scheduled to play an all-ages show at the Showbox in Seattle. Both kids really liked that band, so I went ahead and got tickets. Lev was 11 years old, and it was going to be his first rock show. He was psyched! Well, at the last minute they moved the show to a *much* smaller venue, El Corazon. This meant it was going to be completely packed, which was definitely not my plan. When we got there we saw it was going to be a little crazy. We found some seats up front, in a semi-protected zone behind the handicapped section. When Seether started everyone went nuts and started jumping around. Lev was having a great time but was also a bit nervous about the chaos, as was I. But I did what I could to shield him and it all worked out fine. Luckily the security guys kept removing folks who were completely out of hand.
The show was really amazing, loud and tons of energy. Afterward Lev was glowing from the experience. I am sure he never forgot it.
February 19, 2012
January 18, 2012
Hiking to the snow at Baker Lake
> I remember this hike, up above Baker Lake. We happened upon snow, and Lev loved scampering on the rocks, off the trail, never caring to arrive at the destination.
>
visiting the snow when we lived in Costa Rica
January 4, 2012
Lev's memorial site in Monteverde
In late December, we went up to the CEC and visited Lev's memorial in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Thanks to the many friends and relatives who donated to
the plant a tree program and to the Cloud Forest School memorial; it was a spot that Lev would have appreciated. He was very proud of the trees that he planted near the forest, and loved hiking the trails.
We gathered at the colegio, looked at some photos and talked about Lev's time in Monteverde. Then we walked a muddy 15 minutes up to the Lev's memorial spot with friends, with a small poisonous viper in the trail on our way up. The spot is near the Palacio de los Monos, and has a special fruiting tree planted near the sign. After sharing thoughts, Tony, Jaal and I stayed and had a moment, wishing Lev were really there with us, and spread some of his ashes around the tree. It does feel like a special place, but it definitely makes Lev's being gone more real.
Some part of me was really hoping Lev himself would be here, although I know very well he wouldn't. I just had to come, and go to the school, see his memorial, and connect with friends here who knew and appreciated Lev.
But, it has been hard to see friends for the first time since Lev died. Tears shed, or tears held back, but difficult for sure.
We are reminded of what a great time he had here. He so loved the forest, playing with sticks, climbing trees, chopping things, and walking outside in the dark. He loved bananas, fried plantains, going to the dairy for ice cream, gallo pinto (without much onion), and batidos with milk and fruit. Ages 6-10 just seemed a great time to be here. The world was open to him, he was free to explore and be himself. He was silly and crazy and creative and it worked for him here.
Below are some more pictures from Lev's memorial spot, and a tree that was planted whose fruits will attract monkeys.
January 3, 2012
Sedro-Woolley High School Lip Dub 2010
I don't really know why, but I was thinking about the Lip Dub freshman year. I kept thinking about Lev insisting upon hiding during his part of the video. I thought you might find it funny.
Look for Lev at 2:22
Look for Lev at 2:22
December 26, 2011
A memory from Grandma Carol
Thinking of you -- I have the memorial in color I carry with me -- I vision Lev shooting arrows at the banana trees with joy, exploring the woods, riding the horse, and sulking as he liked to do at times.
December 2, 2011
Ukelele
Lev played bass, but he did not really like it. Then he discovered the ukelele. It was the only instrument he genuinely enjoyed. Something about it captivated him. Makes sense, wacky instrument for a wacky kid.
He was a very fast learner. I would show him a chord once and he had it down. The first song I taught him was "House of the Rising Sun". He played it over and over again. He had a great little voice, always in tune, and he sang loudly as he played. He learned a bunch of songs on his own. My favorite was "Apple Blossom", he sang it so nicely. I think he would have been a great musician.
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