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On Joy and Sorrow

From: Ginny G.
Email:
Remote Name: 169.207.130.22
Date: 01-Oct-2002
Time: 06:12 PM

Comments

I've been trying to find the right words to post all day, but I don't think I can express them the way I want to. I thank the Lord that I accidentally found Mickey, this porch, and all of you lovely people a couple years ago. We've all shared so much joy and sorrow here, thanks to Mickey, his generosity of spirit, his talent, his kindness. The world has lost a kind, gentle "force of nature" in losing Mickey -- but his music and the friendships that have been formed because of Mickey will live on.

I want to thank the whole Newbury family for sharing so much of Mickey with us. Please know that I am praying for all of you.

The following poem from Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet" is the one I always turn to when my heart is breaking. I think it speaks volumes. We would not be feeling such a deep loss had we not felt such wonderful joy from knowing Mickey and his music.

On Joy & Sorrow

Then a woman said, "Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow."

And he answered:

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.

And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.

And how else can it be?

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.

Is not the cup that hold your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?

And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is the greater."

But I say unto you, they are inseparable.

Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.

Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.

When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.

Thanks for everything, Mickey. We love you. Please watch over us from above.

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