Yesterday, I attended Paiges Memorial Service. I never really knew Paige, as I have had my own health struggles for the last few years. It has been the first memorial service I have attended during this period as I thought the next one was my own. Randy and I have known John for years, as he was one of the first people we met upon our arrival in Rehoboth, and always made us feel welcome. We danced with John at numerous parties up in NY and always knew he was a good spirit. When John and Paige were married, we rented a house on William F, right up from Annie B. We knew from that experience, John had found a good spirit and both would be very happy.
Upon my arrival at the Memorial Service, you could feel the presence, the spirit, and the emotion which was settling in under the tent. From the opening blessing the spirit filled that tent and the hearts and souls of those present. From the opening prayer the tears fell from my eyes. I may never really have known Paige, but I certainly knew her spirit. As the music played, songs sung and words spoken, yes, Paige was there, filling each and every one of us with her unique spirit. In death as in life, she still touches your heart and soul. I stood holding onto one of the poles of the tent as I needed support. Randy, my lover, unfortunately was unable to attend did I ever need him so I could tell him how much I love him. I let my love rise through the tent and I knew, a continent away, he felt my love and loved me back. When we were asked to join hands, with eyes closed, tears ran down my cheeks. With one arm around the pole, I opened my other hand without moving it from my side, and immediately I was held. The connection of spirits and emotions was beautiful. Being unable to speak, I just stood holding onto the pole for support. A friend found me, hugged me. I hugged back, with all the love, emotion, and intensity that I was feeling. That spirit and emotion is still felt as I commit this to writing. Paige will always be with us, even those who never really knew her.
This brings me to a point that I know both of you will understand and many may think me nutzwith a z. When Randy and I first set foot in Rehoboth, we knew this was home. The only other time we both felt this was in Key West. Both our spirits tugged upon our souls to be close to this place called Rehoboth. We seemed to gather strength and peace from the land upon which we walked, the water that touched the beaches and our feet, the stars and sky above, and most importantly the community that made us welcome.
I have always had a connection to the spiritual. I listen, participate, accept, and welcome the good spirits that make their presence known and fight off the evil ones as they slither in among us. For weeks now as I have slept in the Florida room or out in the back in my hammock at night I have felt a gathering of spirits here in the collective Rehoboth. Spirits are coming to summer here, as there is a Rainbow Revival occurring. This summer is going to continue to be dynamic. Dynamic sometimes hurts, as in the case of Paiges death, but the summer will be good. Enjoy it, because this year is special, and will live in our hearts and minds for a long time to come. The culmination will be SUNDANCE and Paige will be leading the spiritual world in dance and joy and happiness. It will be the first SUNDANCE I can attend in 3 years, on this side of the world. I know Paige and many other loved ones will be dancing among us. I plan to dance with them with tears of joy running down my face, as I celebrate my revival and our revival.
Sincerely with love,
Tommy Marshall-Gibson
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6/27/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.