Via Basel: Later Life Decisions–and an Anniversary

On this day sixteen years ago, my beloved son Chris left this earthly realm for another—the spiritual and ethereal. He had been doing well in his struggle with mental health challenges and addiction, so his sudden death was completely unexpected and left me in a state of shock and profound grief. It would take years to process my loss, a journey that continues to this day.

Shortly after his passing, I faced two critical decisions regarding his house in Normal and his website, EIL. Both required significant time, effort, and finances to maintain. I was working full-time then, and the consensus among concerned family and friends was to let go of both, as they would constantly remind me of my loss and prolong my grief. I appreciated their concern for my mental health, but in my core, it did not feel right.

I kept his place as a second home and a refuge from the pace of the city. It has become a sanctuary—a healing space, quiet and serene among his books, Roz’s art, the meditation alcove, and a lovely small yard that reminds me of the natural world. Recently, I embarked on a major landscaping project to introduce native plants, replacing the grass lawn to make it sustainable and hospitable to birds, bees, and other pollinators—more like a natural Midwestern prairie.

As for EIL, with the support and assistance of Mandy, Thomas, and Kathleen the editor, it has expanded and flourished, continuing Chris’ legacy in online arts and literature. Personally, it has given me an outlet to hone my writing and express myself the best way I know how: through short essays, reflections, and stories that relate me to the world around me—past, present, and future. I truly believe Chris, as an artist, writer, and son, would fully approve.

Allow me to end with another major, late-in-life decision I made just last week. After eight years of love and friendship, I proposed to my lovely Mary, and she said YES. Another chapter begins, so stay tuned.

Basel Al-Aswad, father of EIL founder Christopher Al-Aswad, is a yogi trapped in an Orthopedic Surgeon’s body. His loves in life include reading, writing, hiking, enjoying nature, meditation, and spending time with his large Iraqi family; now, semi-retired, he is exploring new avenues in medicine, education, public speaking, teaching, and social engagement.