"Kymeth" (Kimberly Keller)

Gene and I had just basically got our friendship off the ground when it was then he had to be admitted into the hospital. Even though we e-mailed each other off digest prior to his hospital admission...I did have the wonderful opportunity to speak to him on the telephone, this was while he was in the hospital and we chatted for about 10 minutes. He was so charming, a kind gentleman and very eloquent in his speech. During our e-mail chats we talked about many things: from magic, food, books, art, women and even a special "1957" Thunderbird. But, if it is ONE thing that I shall ALWAYS remember Gene for it was this: Gene did NOT like nuts in his cookies or in any food for that matter to ruin his palate.

I am deeply saddened that I was never given the opportunity to meet him face to face (I believe fate had a hand in this) and of course to take the four chicken pot pies as I had promised him - even though he in all honesty did tell me "no" to my bringing over the chicken pies.  He too had promised to discuss a multitude of "sins" with me, and to share in showing his prized mummy hand,
paintings, and other macabre delights he so dearly treasured. I truly know how much I would have delighted in our discussions and would have found his macabre treasures just fascinating.

As a Pagan I believe that when we die we will go to a place called "Summerland." This is a place of sanctuary, comfort and eternal rest if you wish to stay there. Some who pass over to the other side have learned and embraced life in it's fullest way, hence this is why they pass over - - it is just their time. They have completed all which was needed for them to do in this lifetime. Others who die before their time - still need a place to rest in death, yet they do and will reincarnate to come back to this plane of existence again to learn what it is they did not in their previous lifetime. However, for many of us at times (myself included) death is difficult to deal with. Yet, I do believe that Summerland is all around everyone, when a soul joins Summerland it becomes life (energy) from death.

I am very grateful to have had the pleasure to know Gene. He was a wonderful man and everyone will miss him greatly. I just hope he is truly at peace and feels no more pain now, and is in the place I call Summerland. I hope his Summerland is a sanctuary where he can paint, write, eat all the white meat with no vegetables chicken pot pies and Murray's Chocolate Chip cookies to his hearts content.

Regardless of how each of us view religion, please allow me without objection to post this Pagan prayer for Gene - I think he would like it. Please understand that this prayer is my way of giving respect and thanks to him, his life and now his passing into Summerland. 

"Prayer of Passage"

Oh Lord and Lady
There is great sadness
A cherished one has passed over

Emptiness engulfs us
Loss languishes within
Help us to bear our grief

Accompany Gene's spirit
Comfort we who grieve
Let us all rejoice in his life

May now his essence be recorded
In the Great Book of Shadows
Renew our remembrance's with joy

We will Meet Again, Over in the Summerland...