It was cold, cold , cold this morning… 17 degrees at Hillside Farm. The air was more than crisp and I could smell the smoke from wood stoves as I gave Maverick The Dog his morning walk. The mud of wintry mix was hardened into jagged spires much as I would imagine a miniature version of the mountains of the moon.
Izze was going on a field trip to the museum in Cincinnati with her cousin, Montana and Vanessa and I were heading to the little country town of Zaleski, Ohio where my friend Pat Morgan was being laid to rest. The service was at the St. Sylvester Catholic Church and we wanted to be a little early.
Zaleski is a tiny little town off SR 278 on the way to Lake Hope but on this day it was a funeral we were going to, not brunch at the Lake Hope Lodge.
Blue sky and earth at the graveyard
Pat Morgan was my friend Kevin’s brother. I had known him casually for a number of years and over the last year we found ourselves to be members of the same fellowship. There is no rhyme nor reason for the cards in the hand that life deals us. Pat was found dead in the bed of a pickup truck stabbed thirty times. His story and his struggles are now over. I was at this same church a couple of years ago when his Dad passed and today I was able to hug his mom and express my condolences. It is not right that a parent should outlive their children… but again, right doesn’t have much to do with anything.
It was a beautiful service and it was gratifying to see family and friends… all, regardless of affiliation, getting comfort. In my life I have been in dangerous places, leading a dangerous life and but for the grace of G_d, it could have been me in that box years ago. I am a grateful man today.
At the end of the service, we all drove to a tiny country graveyard on a small hilltop and Pat was laid to rest. I was asked to play a song as they lowered the coffin and I was honored to do so! I played, What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?
‘Peace if flows, like a river they say. What are they doing there now?’
Rest in peace brother
I have loved the Morgan family for years… they are like my own. Pat and I were not bros, but we were brothers in a very profound way. Fair winds and following seas brother… sail on! There are many rooms in my father’s house, and in one of those rooms Pat, there is a table sitting for you.
Belated condolences on the loss of your fellowship and family friend. Again thank You for sharing your thoughts and feelings with our small world as large as it is.
Peace,
Rich
Happy Birthday Jorma!
“Happy Birthday Jorma!” What a grand reason, among many, for you to celebrate this day– you alone have the option of ‘having your cake and eating it TOO!’ Remain staying ageless in this new year ahead for you and your loved ones. Carole
Jorma, I’ve been away for awhile and logged on today to wish you a happy birthday and happy belated Hanukah. Instead I read about the sad passing of your friend. My condolences to you and your family and your friend’s family. Life is strange and sends us many ebbs & flows. Peace to you, peace to your family, and may your friend travel safely to the next life. Peace, Kathy
Jorma , Happy Birthday ! Long may you Run !
Peace
Love All Ways
Happy Birthday
Peace
Love All Ways
Happy bday jorma. And many more.
JK, Happy Birthday and thanks for the 100 plus guitar lessons you gave me from 73-78. Having good seats paying dividends!!!!!
Happy Birthday Jorma!
Jorma
Happy Birthday! Many, many more and Keep on Truckin. Every day I wake I say ‘thank you’.
happy birthday Jorma!
Jambands.com review of the Beacon Birthday show: http://www.jambands.com/reviews/shows/2013/12/07/hot-tuna-beacon-theater-new-york-ny-11-23#.UrhaaY3nYuQ
Can’t go wrong when you start out with a bass solo…
Happy Birthday Captain!
And Many Mo…………………….
Happy Birthday, Jorma!
Happy Birthday Jorma ! See you at the Keswick in a few weeks .
Happy birthday Jorma ,
Hope you have a great birthday and a wonderful holiday to you and your family ,
Mitch
Happy “39th” Birthday, Jorma, and best wishes for many more. Keep on truckin’.
Carole – well that is great you are planning to attend the tuna show at the Birchmere. It should be a bit different w/ Leon playing as well…maybe some tuna blues??????
How about you email me at jlevine406@comcast.net
I will send u my cell number and u can txt me when you get to show so we can meet up.
I usually get there early and wait outside so I can get a front row seat/table. I will be waiting outside even if it is cold…brr….hanging out with other tuna fans. At this point I am going solo to the show. How many will be in your party? I could try and save you/them seats…all cool
No saying what will happen with weather…20/30 one day and 70 the next day.
Happy holidays…nearly tuna time once again….
Happy Birthday Jorma….
Hope you guys are OK from that storm.
Have a great day.
Hogan
🙂
@Joe in DC– Joe thanks for asking re: the Birchmere. Yes,, I am planning to be there– a 20 min+ drive away is a treat in and of itself!! I cannot wait to savor some Jorma-nizing and Tuna-rizing R&R that evening! Somehow we’ll have to catch up with one another prior to the show. I just hope the weather will be on our side, unlike a couple of weeks ago!! Had 3 tall trees snap in the back yard here– but all is under control at this time. Looking forward to meeting the person behind the name in a couple more weeks. Stay in touch as I’ll do the same– enjoy a safe and Merry Holiday Season,, Carole
So sorry to hear about your friend Jorma.
Kevin – our thoughts are with you.
Carole – did you get your ticket yet for Jan at Birchmere…I have mine
Dear Jorma , Very sorry to hear of your loss .It was nice that the family had you there to play the song .Peace to you and all of us at this holiday season and into the new year ..Better days ahead ..Peace , Mitch
JJorma– so very sad for the loss of loved friend and brother. The coping with such a void in your living can be challenging ,,but with the spiritual inner peace you share with us on here along with your sharing your verbal and mental positive strength in word and music– your mastery in tolerance with these unexpected ‘hiccups’ in life for everyone! Your dear one has now moved on to a new mode of presence completing his full circle of existance. He is still right there beside you,, always be alert to that possibility!!
Hoping to see you again in January @ the Birchmere–
Carole
so sorry….tried a couple times to post….with no response
Jorma, So sorry to hear about your buddy. He is in a much better place. I’m really glad to see you were there for your friends Pat and Kevin, you are the man. I will pray for his soul.
Keep your Lamps
@Kevin =i=
You are in my prayers. Your brother is in a better place.
We are all with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. We are all with you Kevin.
Keep your Lamps
@Kevin =i=
Your brother is in a much better place. We all will hopefully join him. I am
so sorry for your loss.
Keep your Lamps.
We all stay by you Kevin!
Thank You Jorma!
Thank you to all for your kind words and prayers, it’s hearing from friends that helps ease the pain,
brother Kevin =i=
@Kevin =i=
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to all your loved ones.
May your Mother be comforted by the love you can give her and may time gently heal her pain and ease her suffering. May Love, Joy and laughter eventually ease back into your lives.
Peace
Love All Ways
Wow.. So sad. So sorry for your loss Brother! Got to meet Kevin and talk to him at Doherty’s place in the village a couple of years ago. Such a nice guy. So sorry for his his families loss. There are just no words when you hear a story like this.
Dear Jorma, as you know we have all been shocked and broken for the last couple weeks. The entire family and my Mother were more than honored to have you play at Pat’s funeral, and I could see him smiling, saying…. “Yes, Jorma played as they laid me down, how many of you can say that?!” Pat… he made us laugh and he made us cry… where is the laughter without the pain? You have lightened the load of a large number of people and we couldn’t be more thankful. Your music is powerful indeed.
I have found in life we are tried in this fire. Beaten, folded, beaten again, sharpened to a fine edge, prepared for the battles that lay ahead. We will soldier on, one foot in front of the other.
Long I have looked to you as an example of how I can pattern my own life… those are some big shoes to fill.
Bless your soul, long live the Cap.
brother Kevin =i=
A beautiful song Jorma that causes me to pause and think . I am sorry for the loss of your friend .
Thank You for sharing
John B
Tragic. I hope they find the animal who killed him.
They stopped the killer for an unrelated incident in a stolen truck, and found Pat’s body in the vehicle the same night. He’s in the system and I’m hoping for Marion or Lucasville as his next residence.
Dear Jorma, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend in the fellowship.
You showed up for him & his family.
Sometimes, the least we can do is all it takes.
Back when you did the “Blue Country” tour, your performance at the Bottom Line of “What are they doing in Heaven Today” allowed me to truly let go of the then recent passing of my beloved sister Hedy (who attended some Tuna/Jorma shows w/me), allowing the tears to flow, and healing to take place.
The power of music.
Thank you for sharing.
God bless.
Sorry to hear this . Rest in Peace ,Pat
Dear Jorma,
Sorry to hear such sad news.
Thoughts and prayers being sent your way for your family and the Morgan family.
May he rest in peace.
Hogan
. . . so true, but for the Grace of God. And the tune ends too soon for us all.
My condolences to all affected. God rest his soul.
Trust God and Keep Marchin’ Bro.
Love and Prayers
mutt
Dear Jorma,
I felt so sad when I read this post .
May your friend , Pat, RIP, and find comfort in the arms of The Lord .
Very sorry for your loss
Cyndy
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peace
Love All Ways
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPzradZyPBg
Sorry for your loss.