Find Me
Do not grieve if you find the climb to my grave
too difficult to make;
for you will not find me there.
If you think of me, find me elsewhere.
Find me
thrilling in the learning of small children
experiencing the world's newness.
Find me
reflecting in the deep blue light
and diamond glint of glacial ice.
Find me
diving with the sea lions off the Galapagos,
exploring the depths of the unknown sea.
Find me
in the books residing at the University.
Find me
riding the blustery winds of high aspirations.
Find me
amongst the stars, viewing close up
what I could not formerly see.
- Caroline Henize
Speakers
at Karl's memorial service
in order of appearance.
Paul J. Weitz
(Astronaut and Deputy director of JSC)
Caroline Henize
(Widow)
Joseph P. Allen
(Astronaut)
Alan Bean
(Astronaut)
David Talent
(Co-worker)
Mark Mulrooney
(Co-worker)
Story Musgrave
(Astronaut)
Harry Taylor
(Mt. Everest expedition leader)
Kurt Henize
(Eldest son)
Charlie Bolden
(Astronaut)
Much Thanks to these and many
others whose kind words and greatly
appreciated help guided our family
through the roughest of times.
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The Circle
Do not mourn that I am only bone
for I am not so all alone.
I am now, as I was before
without form, but so much more.
Look for me on starry nights
and wonder at those silent lights.
Look for me in mountain snow
reflecting glints to those below.
Look for me in the forest's hush
and in the rain that makes it lush.
Look for me on ocean wave
and in the gales that make men brave.
For I am the wind that churned the sea
I was always there, and will always be.
- Kurt Henize
For KARL
A fierce individualist who successfully
did what he wanted.
a romanticist, an adventurer
overcoming initial fear,
he named the unknown and is survived
by 2000 stars and more.
Who challenged his children
to think clearly and know science,
who gave and took earnestly
without pride or remorse,
He is yonder on Mountain-top:
Himalaya at Everest.
Were he here, would he groan at such a remark?
I would hope so because then I would know
I had pleased him,
Which I know we all wanted to do.
He always enjoyed a twist of a phrase,
His twists a little more than others',
a bit corny as often as not
but playful and stimulating
and something we will all miss.
He didn't like the thought of growing older;
we felt like he wasn't.
Though Karl you left us with a flare
why couldn't you have waited ten years?
Perhaps one or more of us will follow
to that place where he now lays down,
I know what we will find there,
betwixt the shimmering glaciers,
a jewel, a crown, and a feeling of free
and unfettered strength of spirit.
In my experience, in all cases but this,
I have learned to disassociate the locations
spirit and corporal remains,
but now I can only think of how happy Karl is
to roam that high area of adventure, discovery,
and romance, with the greatest view of the stars.
I know this family as well as my own,
I have loved them from father and mother
through youngest son,
of all the things Karl has done well,
this one will live on and grow stronger.
Karl, though it is hard for me to do,
I forgive you for leaving so soon,
And I expect you would forgive me for this:
Himalaya at Everest.
- Roddy Seekins
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