Dear Rosemary, Yes, it is a wonderful book, a primary source. I, too, loved reading it. So much like touching the earth that Swamiji walked...

Which we all can do. now. Do you know that Ridgely Manor and estate, twhere Swamiji spent more time than any in America, is now a retreat? I have sat under the great pine that has grown from the sapling planted by little France.....and felt the presence of Swamiji in the distance strolling across the great lawn.

You can find out more at http://vivekanandaretreatridgely.org

The Ridgely folks have accepted me as a friend on Facebook. You can find them via the link below. Their method (and one understands this) is that you must "apply" and be accepted by them as a "friend". That part is easy.

Ridgely on Facebook

I wrote to them of my interest in a possible visit to the Retreat this Spring but received no reply. In my personal cosmic bubble I took this as a sign of unwelcome. I do feel sure that it wasn't meant this way and could be just their method of procedure OR a misunderstanding. Still, as an interpretation of how I read signs on my journey I feel to interpret this in a negative way. One must pay attention to the subtle signs!

Still, I have a strong desire to see Swamiji's pine tree, and if the stars line up correctly I may try to make another contact. I'm waiting to see if this will happen. I do hope so~!

No message means no message!

Location: North Carolina

PS: I have looked at the Ridgely visit from every angle. This "road trip" would mean a great deal of personal trouble and expense for me. Were I Josephine Macleod, the road would be easy, but alas, this road is not so easy, it is hard! I would want for the trouble and the expense to be comfortable and feel "right" at the end of the road.

I am looking for a feeling of "rightness" about making the tremendous effort.

Location: North Carolina

It's about 90 miles from NYC. As I recall, landing at Stewart airport is a shorter drive, but the train goes up from NY City.

I would not take the delay as anything... Tending Ridgely is a full time job. I haven't been in years, but I know help used to be sparse. You will be welcome.....when the time is right. :)

A comforting message at last!! Thank you, Dear Sister Jayanti!

I downloaded and printed your article from the "Sri Sarada Society Notes" (Winter 2002, Volume 8, Issue 2) "A Blessed Heritage" re: Frances Leggett aka: "Babe". This was a crucial and fascinating discovery via the Internet.

Later after supper, I began where I left off in reading my book, "Late and Soon". I have made a discovery in that that I am identifying more with Frank Leggett than with his wife, the former Betty Macleod Sturges. She makes me uncomfortable in her obtuseness. She does not know or understand her husband. He seems to be a means to an end and she(!)not reading between the lines regarding how much he did not appreciate the value of a socially ambitious wife. She was a womanly woman and could have been a godsend in her own way by making her presence a comfort to him as a second wife (he being the pedantic overworker, who only wanted and needed to find a way to live with his unrelenting grief over the loss of his first wife and their only child.)

Thanks again, Jayanti. This is important stuff!!!!!

Jai Ma!

Location: North Carolina

yes, one gets to see the play of God first hand in this incredible family, which had so very much to do with Swamiji's work in America, Europe, and India. It is thought in the Indian view that God comes with a whole cast of characters necessary to accomplish the intended mission. These are not all "good" people in our usual sense, but often quite lively characters.

One sees this in play regarding this obviously blessed family. As difficult as it is to identify with Betty Leggett -- and I predict it will get more so -- it is through Betty's "social ambition" that Swamiji meets many important supporters, Betty herself among them.

I am glad you found the issue on Fr.ance. I was thinking of sending it to you.

Dear Jayanti,

Thank you so very much for your reply.

I must thank you again for supplying the article about France. The article was easy enough to find on the internet. I had been so wanting to see a photo of France as she got older. Also,until I found your article, I was having trouble finding a date of death for her on the internet. There is much (it seems) to be reported about David Margesson but very scant information concerning France. By the way, I like her very, very much!!

Also, I do see the hand of Swamiji resting on this blessed family. Still, the other drama playing out in Maya is so very, very interesting! I love her way of writing, too.

As yet I am not to the point where Frank dies. In planning ahead, I was able to find the New York Times article (on the internet) which describes what happened on the day of Frank's death (as he was walking down to the Ferry.)

Thanks ever so much for everything, Jayanti. I'm so glad you are here.

Yours ever,
Rosemary

Location: North Carolina

PS...

When you look at this story from the vantage point as you have described ("it is through Betty's "social ambition" that Swamiji meets many important supporters, Betty herself among them") it reminds me of a book I once read by LM Montgomery called "A Tangled Web" - the point being that as the story unravels itself, it becomes more apparent to ourselves that we cannot remain objective enough in the playing out of Maya!

Thank God for Swamij whose presence in the Story proves to me the need for endurance and forebearance in the tidal wave of Maya....

Location: North Carolina