Thank You Jerry

Another August 9th rolls around, another moment to remember Garcia. I spent a lot of hours in the same room listening to that guitar, and being carried off to places far and wide, and deep inside. Nobody emoted like Jerry, whether it was with Grateful Dead or his own band. There was something about that music, and they way he brought it that just made it easy to get inside yourself and feel good, even without certain substances ;-)

I remember being at a show where a guy in our landing party passed out in the heat. When he came to he declared his name was Chaim, his Hebrew name, and took to using it. I believe he went on to Rabbinical school.

"Once in a while you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right."

Shows were a great place to bring a little Yiddishkeit in. Whether it was taking care of the sick, lost kids, animals in the care of thoughtless hippies, folks who had done things they shouldn't have, or were freaking out, there was always an opportunity to help others, and show people how to do the same. I think my Dead family and I did quite a bit on that front, in addition to having a real good time.

Thanks for all you gave Jerry; all the light and music, warmth and spirit. You tried your best to beat those demons of yours, but in the end it proved to much for that body you abused, while you tried to figure out how to really love yourself. It's okay man, a lot of folks aren't lucky enough to even see what's wrong. At least you managed to get that far, despite the forces that wanted to keep you from getting there.

I miss you, man. Wish you were here.

So turn it up, dance your ass off, turn on your lovelight, and leave it on!