Among the Q’ero Indians of Peru, there is a word they use to call a friend of the heart. That word is Waiki. My friend and former teacher, Tom Best was fond of using it to refer to his students and it caught on as a term of endearment between us, his students.
So I say to you, “Hey, Waikis!”
I want to share with you a great honor that has come by me. My good friend and former student, Tom Carroll, produces podcast audio and radio programs. Recently he asked to interview me for a piece he was doing. Although we talked about many things that day, the narrative that emerged from Tom’s loving hands, heart, and mind based on that interview turned out to be about my dear friend and mentor Tom Best.
I feel so honored to be a part of a lineage of learning that flows through me from Tom Best to Tom Carroll and to all the people on down stream. Not a day goes by when I don’t remember the voice and wisdom of my friend and teacher, Tom Best. Thank you Tom Carroll for memorializing that Love so beautifully.
