Unconditional
love is something that lives within us all, but the moment you make that first
connection with your child, that first look or first touch, cupid’s arrow
pierces your heart with a truer and deeper understanding.
When Byron’s
son was born, I was lucky enough to be there thanks to the graciousness of
Sarah, Atlas’ mother. I thought at the moment the most important thing was seeing
Atlas be born, yet there was something else just as important. It was that unforgettable moment while Byron
was holding his son, turned his head, looked into my eyes and I saw unconditional
love being born within my son for his son.
Byron held a
lot of dreams within himself. Before Atlas was born I would say they may have
been more about himself, but since that moment, I believe they have all begun
and ended with Atlas in mind.
He wasn’t
stingy in his dreams. He was ready and willing to share with anyone. He was
happy to bring you along. If you know Byron at all, you will know this to be
true.
Sometimes
Byron wished that I could dream bigger and more frequently and sometimes I
wished that he would dream less.
As my
husband said to me the other night, Byron didn’t realize that he was already wealthy
and had the pot of gold. It is the wealth of his heart and the many friends and
family who loved him.
Within the
last few years, Byron started working with what he called a life coach. He only
mentioned this to me without giving great detail. He would occasionally say he
had just gotten off of the phone with this person and discuss it a little or
say that he couldn’t talk long with me long as he needed to get ready for this
call. Byron was sorting out and working on all things that he felt could
possibly hold him back and keep him from having a totally clear heart.
Many of you
sitting here believe that your body is your temple. It is your vessel. You
wouldn’t pour poison into your vessel, but we many times carry poison around
within us if we carry anger and are unwilling to forgive. Sometimes it is ourselves
we need to forgive as well as others. Byron understood this and was seeking to
dump anything unworthy. If you feel injury or trespass has happened to you,
forgive. If you have caused injury or trespass, seek forgiveness. If you follow
his lead, your heart will grow exponentially with love.
Life is
truly shorter than we think and it can change in an instant as I recently
witnessed. I am going to ask you on Byron’s behalf, to empty your vessel of any
poisons. They are not hurting anyone, but the vessel they are contained within.
My husband’s
contribution to this day comes from a most apropos piece of music. It is called
“One Safe Place” by Marc Cohn.
How many
roads you’ve traveled
How many
dreams you’ve chased
Across sand
and sky and gravel
Looking for
one safe place.
Will you
make a smoother landing
When you
break your fall from grace
Into the
arms of understanding
Looking for
one safe place
Life is
trial by fire
And love’s
the sweetest taste
And I pray
it lifts us higher
To one safe
place
How many roads
we’ve traveled
How many
dreams we’ve chased
Across sand
and sky and gravel looking for one safe place.
I am not
always inspired to write poetry, but
I wrote this
poem about Byron when he was little.
Laughter,
laughter all the way
Chattering
throughout the day
He can chase
away the darkest clouds
Racing
against the wind, the sun in his smile
He can
tickle you without a touch, the mischief clear in his eyes
He can be
rough and tough, denying your help
Yet when he
sleeps or he cuddles in your arms, he is so soft…..
You become
enchanted all over again
This Joie de
vivre, and you see so much
The man that
is coming, the boy that is now
My son.
Lastly, how
can you stop a sun(son)-ray from shining?
You most
assuredly can’t. You can step into the shade if it is shining too brightly, or
maybe a cloud is keeping it from your view, but it is there as sure as the moon
and stars are.
I believe
Dr. David Viscott once said that to be loved, lovable, and loving is to feel
the sun on both sides. So as we step outside today to celebrate together the
life and love that was Byron. I am also asking that you bask in that sunshine,
feel the warmth and know that Byron is with you always. That sunshine on your
shoulder that makes you happy…..it’s him.
