As far as my character goes, though–eh, go for it Raj. I suppose I deserve it for breaking out gallows humor in a town where I’m new to the territory, anyway. As BNL put it, I’m the kind of guy who laughs at a funeral. But as far as your assertion goes, I don’t think it’s possible to live past the age of 30 without losing someone close to you. ‘Nuff said. Flame away.

His comments weren’t wisely placed or timed, but there’s no need for additional negativity in this space. Let’s focus on Dr. Attari and her family, not other comments, please? I DO know what it’s like to lose someone, so Raj I know you’ll agree when I write that it brings much comfort to people who are grieving, to know they are being remembered and prayed for as well. I’ll never forget the people who called me and left messages for me every day, asking if I was okay or if I needed anything. I didn’t pick up the phone (I couldn’t), but I listened and was overwhelmed and grateful for such care. We may not know an address or phone number for them b/c we don’t know the Attari family personally, but we can emulate such respectful and generous concern here. I know they will appreciate being thought of at this time.

Salil, I believe these are affectionately known as “Rice Rockets.” I have no idea if it refers to the origin of the car or the origin of the driver. And I don’t have the least f-ing idea if the term is considered racist or not.

“The old man in the Buick.”

And this is affectionately known as “my dad.” Yes, the guy who once drove from Colorado to Memphis in under 13 hours, who now chews me out for going over 70.

I’ve been staying away from this thread (and commenting in general) paritally b/c it is so very sad, and I wasn’t sure what to say that wasn’t trite or cheap, and because this was a wonderful woman deserving of the utmost respect. I was driving around right there—took a wrong turn near Tilden—only a few days ago. I didn’t even make the connection with Dr. Attari, but I remembering being glad I hadn’t asked my Mom to drop me off, b/c it was such an odd place to drive. I remember that that night Dr. Attari disappeared, it was raining very heavily. It’s so sad to know that someone who had so much real courage, so much strength of character, so much accomplishment, was felled by darkness and rain and poor design.

Anyway, Anna has made me want to say something. Attari family and friends and patients, if you find your way down to this little comment—your Mom/wife/friends/doctor made a great impression on me reading about her, and I am sure, on many other people here at the Mutiny. It seems awful to think of any good coming of her death, but I hope that the road will be fixed, and I hope that at least all the publicity will serve to get her story–her whole story–out into the world. I hope that buried amid all the speculation and random blatherings will be little seeds of inspiration–how we will always remember the story of one of our Mothers who came to this country and worked so hard and braved so much anxiety and trouble to chase such kind dreams—and that we will work a little harder and a little more unselfishly by having heard of her.

I believe the Mutiny is about more than witty and not so witty banter–about more than even elections won, industries dominated, insults avenged, movies made, or rights protected. If I’m mutineering against anything, I hope it’s against isolation and lack of community, against forces of society–often unwilled forces!–holding back kindness and good will. I can’t think of a better icon for a mutiny of kindness and good will than Dr. Atarri. Bay Area Mutineers—I won’t be able to do anything about this for quite a while, or even keep track. But please keep me–and the Mutiny–posted of developments. If her family needs help getting a barrier there, perhaps we’ll be able to help them. If her clinic needs help, maybe we can help keep her work going. Who knows? We can try.

Rest In Peace, Dr. Attari.

For months, I’ve maintained a very consistent position that posts like this should keep a respectful tone, for the sake of family members of the deceased who inevitably find their way here. I’ve been away from SM for a few days or I would’ve said something much earlier.

My prayers are with all who are affected by this tragedy. I know what it’s like to lose someone under heartbreaking conditions and my thoughts are especially with Dr. Attari’s children at this time.

WTF?? You must be joking – or you’re just bizarre as your previous irrelevant posts indicate. I was referring to the spiritual beauty and kindness of her daughters and husband who I knew while growing up. You don’t even realize how angry your comment just made me but I’ll refrain from going off on that.