Lenny

It started when Tom told us Lenny had died. Lenny who so many of us, who passed through India, knew  well as a somewhat India eccentric, often alone, unusual, kind hearted almost always smiling or laughing, man who spoke to all.  Originally American Lenny lived and studied in Varanasi. A few days after posting of Lenny’s death Tom heard that Lenny still alive, and living in a nursing home in America. He had to tell us all it was a mistake and so took on the mantel of keeping us informed of Lenny’s whereabouts and as it happens, deteriorating health. He invited us to write to Lenny. I wrote, but failed to send  the letter until the day  he died. Oh my terrible procrastination. The rest is below, including a very touching tribute from Vijay, my friend in Sattal.
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To Lenny Mock, C/O Medicalodges-Gardner, 223 Bedford Street, Gardner, KS 66030 USA.

Dear Lenny

Tom Riddle has linked us all into your life again, and for that I am grateful for he forwarded your news from Kansas to your friends in Sattal. Although I think I last saw you in Sarnath – Sattal Sarnath same same.

‘I just worry that i am somehow not authentic’ you said, laughing, at the same time as serious, and I remember this as that feeling resonated with me then too. We never know where our words may land.

So chocolate milk with every meal, good friends who remind you of Sattal, a nurse from India, with whom you can converse in Hindi, and meditation daily, – this does sound like you have died and gone to heaven.

You miss the freedom of wandering the Sattal hills. Me too. I haven’t been back to India now for over 10 years. Instead I have settled in my birth country, England, and in East Anglia. I bought a small wood, and here I meditate, run Forest School for kids and chop wood, re-introducing the coppice cycle. Those days in India, though are strong, and are frequent visitors to my minds eye. I remember once coming up to see your pad in BHU, and being impressed with you being a student there, at this prestigious university. What were you studying? Sanskrit? I can see your face in the room of meditators, I can see your walk along the street of Sarnath.

I never married or had children, but instead have two beloved dogs, both boarder collies and campervan within which I travel, always east, a dream to drive to India one day.

Take care Lenny – love to you,
Rachel

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From Tom Riddle:
I received this this morning at 6:30 AM, April 24, here in Ohio. It was sent three hours ago by Lenny’s cousin. I’ll write a little more at the bottom.– TR
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Wanted all of you to know that Leonard (known to many of you as Lenny) passed away peacefully at 11:55 PM on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at the Olathe Hospice House, Olathe, Kansas, USA.

At this time cremation is planned with burial of his ashes in the family plot at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. I will let you know as soon as possible when additional arrangements are made.

Lenny’s long-time friend in Sattal, Vijay, wrote the touching message below which he has given me permission to share. — Tom Riddle

Vijay Patni
Wed, Apr 24, 8:00 AM (1 day ago)
to me