Friday, June 15, 2007

Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Harold Arlen/E.Y. Harburg)

J died last night/this morning - when I walked into the office, all I had to do was look at V's face and ask, "what time?" (1 a.m., actually). It's been a very difficult day - a few clients were aware J had been hospitalized but no one (including us) realized the seriousness. A note is being drafted that will go out to everyone Monday morning - the response will be immediate and comforting since J, in his role of tech support, interacted with hundreds on a regular basis.

His partner A said he'd keep us informed as to a memorial service - we all cried a good bit of the morning, feeling lost and numb. Our routine is to bring lunch in every Friday, and today I suggested we have a WWJE day (What Would J eat?) - burgers and greasy accompaniments was the unanimous vote, and we lifted our onion rings and toasted his spirit.

I wrote yesterday that J and I shared an obsession with Oz - what's not to love about the ultimate metaphor?... flying monkeys and the horse of a different color and heart's desire, oh my! A few weeks ago, I gave J a compilation I had made... of 19 different versions (Tori Amos, Glenn Miller, Leon Russell and many others) of Over the Rainbow - he laughed, thanked me for it and then informed as far as he was concerned there was only one version: Judy Garland's. I laughed in reply and said I'd still like him to keep the mix for posterity's sake, even if he never listened to it - the following is for J... and I have no doubt he's flying with the bluebirds now...



POEM: Summary by Gary Wagner

Disaster snakes from blackened sky
Uprooted homes carry uninvited passengers
Evil rides from east to west

Adversity materializes in rolling smoke and thunder
Little people terrorized by larger threats
The path to salvation spirals outward

Unknown wisdom sprouts forth from fodder
Compassion forged from heartless metal
Hidden valor boldly revealed

Climbing denizens take frightening flight
Simple water conquers flames of fright
Victory reveals hollow promises

Promised wishes are self granted
Broken trust restored
Reunion vanquishes anxiety

There’s no place like home

QUOTE: "Although I can accept talking scarecrows, lions and great wizards of emerald cities, I find it hard to believe there is no paperwork involved when your house lands on a witch." ~ Dave James

1 comment:

  1. My condolences on your loss of J, Susan. My thoughts are with you and all of his loved ones.

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