A Legacy of Dedication and Love
IF is all about dedicated individuals working in community to better their world. This website, dedicated to the memory of Isa Dempsey, is merely one of the legacies left by Isa, who touched many lives in various ways.
As Fran McBrien wrote in Integrities:
Isa taught and counseled for a number of years in places as diverse as Notre Dame in Ohio, Swaziland in Africa, and Gavilan College in Gilroy. She worked as a fire lookout for the California Department of Forestry. She stood vigil with Women in Black as a witness for peace. She founded the Pet Loss Grief Support Group at the Santa Cruz SPCA. Volunteer “work” took her to Belfast, Ireland with Habitat for Humanity and to Guatemala with Capacitar. For many years she did the support work for IF and served on Integrities' editorial board. Her most cherished gift of time was given to caring for and saving cats. Her work was varied and she pursued it with a passionate Celtic heart. Celtic music seemed to make her heart sing.
The last of her daily quotes to herself was:
“You're ready to get so far out of the box that you can't even see the box anymore.”
What is our Legacy? What can we do?
There are so many things. Jot down on a piece of paper, as they occur to you, some of the things you want to do in life. Keep the paper around, and return to it over a period of days or weeks. Don't restrict yourself. Jot down anything that comes to mind. Daydream. Don't leave things out because they seem bizarre or unrealizable.
Are there any small steps you can take that approach some of the things you want to do? Remember, you don't have to be a success at something or make money from it in order to try it out. You don't have to become an expert. G.K. Chesterton once bemoaned the fact that “what a lot of people used to do for fun, now only a few people do for money!” Do it for fun! And remember that following our dreams nourishes us; ignoring our dreams depresses us.
Are you in contact with any people who are trying to create a new story? How can you support them and become part of the story yourself?
Be part of IF's story. Help is still needed.
IF does not go after foundation or government grants. We have no investments or endowments to draw upon. We survive on the continuing kindness and commitment of people like you.
- Integrities, our quarterly publication is passed on by word of mouth. We do not trade mailing lists or give out names to other organizations. One gift subscription costs $15. Call 831.724.4108 to order, or fill out the online form.
- Judy Barry is a board member of IF and a lawyer. If you have questions about leaving a legacy or donating stock or property, she’ll be glad to talk to you. Call the IF office if you would like more information.
- IF is in the process of refining support functions for Integrities. We need a person who would be willing to act as a liaison with artists and photographers who, generously allow us to publish their work. Call the IF office for more information.