An amazing thing happened last evening. I had been invited to attend 2 separate concerts, one local and one 12 miles away. I opted for the local one, because I knew that more of my "tribe" was likely to be there. I hadn't counted on all the memories to hit me (duh!) as I entered the town hall without him- we always went to these concerts; the last one we attended was 2 days before he died and we sat in the very front row. Both of us are "terminally prompt" so we usually sat close to the front at least.

So there I was with my "late again as usual" friend, sitting near the back, close to the exit in case I couldn't stay. It was a concert of Cape Breton music (can I remember the musicians? nah). It's an annual concert; Byron had gone once before and didn't feel the need to go again.

The music began- fiddle, guitar and piano. I closed my eyes and let the music wash over me. At first I was aware of why Byron wouldn't have liked the music- not his kind of fiddling, bad pickup on the fiddle, etc. Then I listened more deeply and just let the music carry me.

Suddenly I felt Byron inside my heart- just exactly as it always felt when he was close to me and speaking from his heart. I felt his love and assurance. I felt the conviction that Byron goes on, and he still loves me. His love for me didn't die. I tried to respond and just felt caressed and loved.

I wept uncontrollably for awhile; bathed in his love.
Once or twice through the rest of the evening I got flashes, like the brush of angel wings. I don't "feel" the assurance today, but the memory of last night is strong.