Greg’s Chosen Quote at His Mother’s Funeral, 2001

Ben, in July 2001, your Grandpa Arnie and all the Kahn family laid your Grandmother Ronetta to rest at the Temple Beth-El.

From among the voluminous communications that marked her final months, your Dad selected the following Martha Graham quote that your Grandpa Arnie had emailed her.

Your Dad chose to read this quote at your Grandma’s Eulogy not only because it expressed Grandpa Arnie’s respect and love, but also because it crystallizes what I think she gave your Dad, because I PROMISE you that it reflects the way your Dad lived his life:

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it.

“It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. …

“No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”