118) Singing TO the Angels - MY REACTION to Jimmy Buffett's Passing

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These Are My Dreams - and JIMMY is a part of them.

Dear Jimmy,

Can I call you that? I feel like we’re on a first name basis…

You see, I’ve been to Margaritaville a time or two. And Jimmy, you were there with me every time… even if you didn’t know it. 

Gosh, Jimmy, this one hits hard. Real hard. Because - Just like millions of folks, I woke up to the news… that you're gone. You’ve left us. I Truly Was Shocked. I didn't even know you were ill, and then I got the news via a text this morning from my Mom. 

Usually, when I hear news of a celebrity death, the news hits me just like any other piece of news… A little distant… and a bit far from home. Maybe a prayer, and a well wish to the family, deep in my heart, and no one, but me, knows what I wished. Or what I prayed, as that individual goes to Heaven. But Jimmy - your news hit me differently… Much different. 

Because, you see, I found my lost shaker of salt a very long time ago. 

And how come you never told us you were sick? I know, I know, you kept it private for a reason. You really didn’t want your Parrotheads to worry about you. Because - worry - really is not part of the Margarataville state of mind, is it?

So, Immediately upon hearing the news, flashes of Margaritaville went through my head, and flew right into my heart…

And I was right in the middle of all of my dreams… 
And I could taste that infamous cheeseburger…
And I could visibly see that bottle of Heinz 57. 
And I went further away, deep into my dreams, and I thought of how much you have meant to me. 

Because -
All through the years… 
As I grew up… 
And as life got hard… 
And living got even harder…
And I grew older…
And hopefully a little bit wiser…
And never even just a little bit wealthier…

You were always there for me. During all the hard times. In the back of my mind. And always in my heart.  It’s actually MIND BLOWING to me how many of your hotels we have been to, including my dogs! And how many of your restaurants we’ve been to. And how much of your good food we have enjoyed. And HOW many memories that me and my family HAVE that YOU have been a part of. You don’t know any of that. And SO, I thank you today. And I will miss you always. And it’s up to us now. Your devoted fans and Parrottheads. To keep living life even just a little bit differently than the rest of the world. To live a little bit loose. And maybe just a little bit more carefree. Maybe just because if we couldn’t laugh, we’d all go just a little bit insane.

So even if people laugh AT me. 
And Even if I’m the joke. 
It’s all ok.
Because I’ve already changed my Latitude.
Which did help change my Attitude.

Because Mother Ocean called to me many years ago now.
And Because I’ve been on that 7 Mile Bridge.
And I’ve sat at the end of the world. 
And I’ve felt that salty air on my skin.
And I’ve breathed in those Heavenly Mallory Square sunsets.
And in my dreams I HAVE sailed away.

And I truly do know exactly where Margaritaville is located.
And I’m more than happy to post the address directly in the comments section down below.

Because I don’t want to take life too seriously.
And because I hope others do the same.

Because as life gets more conventional every day…
And modern living gets more serious every waking morning…

Here’s to hoping you’re not one of the last of your kind…

You were that constant reminder in the back of my heart, to continue being somewhat unconventional, because that’s me and who I really am.

So with that news of your passing, my heart aches today. And I do wish you well. And your family is in my prayers. And you are in all my thoughts. But maybe I don’t need to pray for YOU right now.. 

Because as when most people go to Heaven, I know they are up there where they Angels are singing…

Your trip to Heaven means something a little bit different… It’s what I’d call a Sail Away Party that’s a bit more unconventional…

Because as you arrived in Heaven -

Which is right where you should be - 

The angels are not singing TO you -

I know YOU are singing to the angels tonight. You’re putting on a free show. The best concert the Heavens have ever seen. And they are lucky to have you there. And your song is on repeat. And the drinks are ever-flowing. And the rims are salty. And someday, the rest of us will be there, with you, wasting away in that Heavenly sunshine. And no longer searching… ~



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