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In reply to the discussion: Breath of Dissent [View all]H2O Man
(73,536 posts)Sometimes, when we would be talking late at night (on the telephone), there would be a pause, and then Rubin would say, "Pat! We did it!" I can hear my friend's powerful voice in my mind, as I write this.
We had both become old men, and that resulted in one of the most enjoyable phases of our long friendship. We both loved gardening, and we shared a passion for growing flowers. Roses have long been my favorite -- until recently, as my health has declined, I grew around 2,000 blooms per year .....all types and colors of roses. (I used to post photos of them here on DU!)
Rubin loved colorful flowers, but he never bothered learning their various names. That led to some hilarious conversations ..... he'd be describing different ones to me, and invite me to visit so that we could "talk flowers." He recognized every single flowering plant as a true miracle of the power of Earth's life-force. It was a delight to listen to him go on and on about his favorite flowers.
And, of course, we discussed various cases of gross injustice, in the United States and other nations. He dedicated his very being into the struggle for Justice for All. And I loved listening to him tell stories about men like Sonny Liston, Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, and Dr. King.
He was a unique human being.