Abide In The Light

That's Rob. 

About a week ago Rob passed away, quite unexpectedly, and today we'll drive up to Vermont to celebrate him, his life, and the affect he had on what I can only assume is many, many folks. 

Boston 1998-1999 was our heyday, short but effective, I remember lots of music, guitar practice, dancing, and mostly love. I seriously can't remember ever thinking poorly about Rob. He was always just a good time, a fresh of breath air, and constant happiness. I haven't seen Rob since 2007 but we did stay in contact. Mostly thru the internet and mostly trading music cuts back and forth. I listened to his radio program on Brattleboro radio from time to time, where he would play way too much Wilco and dared to air 8 minute guitar experimentation by Nels Cline without leaving the booth for a bathroom break. It took me back to that cramped little apartment in Lynn and listening The Bends  and Aphex Twin. We would plan out a show that would later become one of my proudest achievements. I never said thank you for that.

Rob had a reputation for being a 'free spirit', whom some would give a negative connotation, but the Rob we knew was the Rob who would randomly post beautiful little notes amongst all of our silly comments on reality television or photos of our food...

"Remember always that you are just a visitor here, a traveler passing through. your stay is but short and the moment of your departure unknown.
None can live without toil and a craft that provides your needs is a blessing indeed. But if you toil without rest, fatigue and wearness will overtake you, and you will denied the joy that comes from labour's end.
Speak quietly and kindly and be not forward with either opinions or advice. If you talk much, this will make you deaf to what others say, and you should know that there are few so wise that they cannot learn from others.
Be near when help is needed, but far when praise and thanks are being offered.
Take small account of might, wealth and fame, for they soon pass and are forgotten. Instead, nurture love within you and and strive to be a friend to all. Truly, compassion is a balm for many wounds.
Treasure silence when you find it, and while being mindful of your duties, set time aside, to be alone with yourself.
Cast off pretense and self-deception and see yourself as you really are.
Despite all appearances, no one is really evil. They are led astray by ignorance. If you ponder this truth always you will offer more light, rather then blame and condemnation.
You, no less than all beings have Buddha Nature within. Your essential Mind is pure. Therefore, when defilements cause you to stumble and fall, let not remose nor dark foreboding cast you down. Be of good cheer and with this understanding, summon strength and walk on.
Faith is like a lamp and wisdom makes the flame burn bright. Carry this lamp always and in good time the darkness will yield and you will abide in the Light."

That was the Rob we knew. Today he brings us all together one more time...