And as many of you already know, Stephen Harrod Buhner has passed on from this world.
Stephen was an enchanting story teller, a weaver of words and mesmerizer of meaning. He could make us laugh and make us cry, reveal deep secrets of oneself and take us on journeys to places we had not yet known. He was not afraid to say what he thought, which many of us loved, yet it truly irritated others. Stephen exposed the fallacies of compartmentalized thinking we were taught in school and showed us another way of living in an interconnected, and mutually engendering world. He showed us the importance and beauty of all living things, and how each and every element of Nature had a place in this mosaic of life – even if it was an invasive plant, an insidious disease, or a phallic rocketship floating off into space. As he focused into the depths of a cell, he revealed the ever-expanding universe.
Stephen helped shape my life in a way no one else has. I first met him over 20 years ago, and since then has been a wise mentor and a loving friend. I could call upon him with questions about herbs and treatment protocols, as well as for guidance when I was wondering what I should do with life – whether it was about my work, my relationships, or other personal difficulties. Stephen imparted in me to be the most integral authentic self I am, and I would not be here today, doing what I do, without him. I would not be helping those with Lyme disease and providing the herbs to so many, nor would I have written a book on invasive plants without him dropping the idea and encouraging me to do so. He also motivated me to make music and play the bass, just as he picked up the guitar and sung later in life. He inspired the best of me, and would call out that which did not serve me, and for that I am deeply grateful for Stephen being in my life, and will forever carry his loving wisdom in my heart.
Timothy Lee Scott 