Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO

Subject: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 08:05 AM

My true love and life partner, Byron Smith, died in my arms Saturday night/early Sunday morning of what appears to have been a heart attack. We had just had a wonderful day of dancing and making music at the Strafford Ball, and he was happy and at peace. He lived each day as if it was a gift.

Byron played both Anglo and English concertina, button accordion and shuttle pipes, as well as guitar and bass. He played with Carol Compton in the duo, "Morning Star" and had recently formed another duo with Melanie Everard to satisfy their mutual love for ancient Irish airs. He was a scholar of Bunting, Petrie and Joyce, played for two morris teams, loved dancing, good friends, good music, and me.

He leaves two grown sons, Evan and Aaron, who are like family to me. I am grateful for their friendship and for the love and support we are receiving from our local community.

I am devastated, and just ask for prayers and support. I probably won't check in much for awhile, but I'll trace this thread and read it when I can.

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Trevor
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 08:10 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't think of any more 'right' words. (((((((((-))))))))))
With love, Trevor & Helen

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: bigchuck
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 08:15 AM

Alison, I'm so sorry to hear this news. I know you have faced many changes in your life the last few years and this must be devastating for you. Words are hardly enough, but my thoughts and best wishes are with you.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Partridge
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 08:20 AM

I'm so very sorry, words seem pathetic compared to your loss. He sounds like a man who loved and in return was greatly loved. It seems strange that the world goes on when something like this happens. I am thinking of you and sending you love,
take care,

Pat xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Jeri
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 08:32 AM

Allison, I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how horrible this is, how surreal the world must seem. My thoughts are with you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: GUEST,KB
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 08:36 AM

Really sorry to hear this Animaterra. He sounds like a lovely man who will be remembered with affection by a lot of people.

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 08:40 AM

Oh, Allison, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how happy you have been with him and how much your life had changed since finding him. As others have said, words seem terribly inadequate. You and your family are in my thoughts and meditations.

With love, in sorrow,

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Bassic
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 08:47 AM

Best wishes to you and all those close to Byron.

G

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 08:48 AM

All I can do is repeat what Guest KB said - he definitely sounds like someone who will be missed by many.

love & good wishes to you from sandra

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 08:54 AM

Allison, my good friend never met, you are in my prayers. We come to know, after a fashion, many folks here at Mudcat. But for me, there is that somewhat smaller group of those for whom I feel a special kinship. You are one of those, and I share your grief. I only pray that when it is my time for the inevitable journey, I can do so in the arms of one who loves me as you have loved him.

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From:
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 08:55 AM

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Love
Khatt

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 08:55 AM

Alison - I remember how you *glowed* when you spoke to me of him - words are so inadaquate at times like this.

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 09:11 AM

Aw, sweetie.... I'm here. I am so glad you had the gift of time with him, and I can't help but think of all the gifts that will keep flowing in you and from you, stemming from that blessing. There is a bottomless pool waiting for you, that is grief now, but that will be unimagined, joyous grace as you plunge deeply into it.

THANK you for being open to love, for catching hold of it and living it.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 09:11 AM

Allison, transatlantic hugs a-comin.

((((((()))))))

RtS

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: curmudgeon
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 09:15 AM

Our thoughts, sympathies and hopes are with you -- Tom & Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 09:17 AM

Alison
Be thankfull that you were there for him. Hang on to the happiness' that you shared, and it will console you in times to come.

Giok

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: jeffp
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 09:21 AM

Hugs.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Willie-O
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 09:37 AM

I'll hold you both in my heart...
"for what time we are on this earth"

Bill

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Peg
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 09:50 AM

I am so sorry to hear this news Alison...
I hope it is a comfort to Byron's friends and loved ones that he did not have a prolonged passing, or one filled with pain, and that his last day was a joyful one full of music.

Hugs and healing to you...
peg

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Mrrzy
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 09:52 AM

Oh, my dear, I am so, so sorry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Alba
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 09:53 AM

Oh Alison. I am so sad to hear of your loss.
Yourself and Byron are in my Heart and in my Thoughts.
with Love and Blessings
Jude

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: black walnut
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 10:00 AM

I am so very sorry.

Hugs from a distance, ~b.w.

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Janie
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 10:02 AM

Oh the heartbreak! Blessings and peace for your spirit and Byron's too.

Janie

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 10:13 AM

Peg said it very well--from your description, that last day was truly a gift. When my parents died, one went suddenly, no warning, the other through a painful illness. The shock is hard to deal with, but the swiftness was preferable. Byron's passing was what one can only hope for when that time comes, in the arms of a loved one after a marvelous day. When you get past the sharp pain and ache you'll be able to look back at that day as something very special.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 10:14 AM

You're in my thoughts too, Alison.

Steve

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Mantid
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 10:15 AM

I'm glad you had time together to share music and dance. When you hear the next song, remember him and the love you shared. Mary Jo

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Amergin
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 10:27 AM

Sorry to hear this Allison...when the time comes you'll find him again...

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 10:27 AM

Our deepest sympathies.

Heather and Rick Fielding

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: sian, west wales
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 10:27 AM

Allison, I am so very very sorry for your troubles. At the same time I rejoice that he could take his departure after such a day.

Thinking of you ...

sian

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: JenEllen
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 11:17 AM

Aw, Al, what news....
Over the past year or so, I've come to truly enjoy your new light. I don't think "Lord Byron" gave it to you, but I certainly think he helped bring it out. Hearing of the two of you was such a joy. I wish I could be there, but if you still have your fuzzy socks, put 'em on and be sure to rest a while, okay? I do love you, dear one, and whatever you need, you'll get.
Love,
yerJen


Sweet lady! why thus doth a tear steal its way,
Down a cheek which outrivals thy bosom in hue?
Yet why do I ask?---to distraction a prey,
Thy reason has perish'd, with Love's last adieu!

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 11:22 AM

Oh, Allison, I was so shocked & sad to read this! At the same time, I'm glad you were able to share it w/ us & get the support we are so willing to give. My heart weeps for you! You know where I live. When you want some time away from home, come see me. I'll save my best hugs.

love,

barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Mickey191
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 11:38 AM

My deepest sympathy on your loss Alison.
He will always be with you. Always. It
takes time, but one day you will laugh
and you will hear him laughing too. Mickey

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Amos
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 11:40 AM

Anima:

Damn, oh, damn. Comforting wishes flying toward you, and all the condolences in the world.

Love,


A

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Micca
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 11:47 AM

Allison, you are in my thoughts and my heart is heavy at this news,
much love and supportive thoughts, to you and to the family, at this time, That he was much loved is beyond doubt, and was a lucky man to have felt thus.
There are times when words are totally inadequate, this is one.
Your friend Micca

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 11:56 AM

Many good thougts are with you.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: mooman
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 12:08 PM

Our deepest thoughts and sympathy are with you at this most difficult of times.

Peace and love,

mooman
Lady McMoo

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 12:22 PM

Allison my dear and smiling friend......I always think of you that way you know.....smiling...in spite of whatever. With all your many prayers for me and others here in the past I have come to know you through the words alone. And like the pictures of you, the words always seem to have a smile even in the hardest of times. I'm so sorry for what has happened and today I think a smile would be hard to get from you. But I know it will return. Take these words, thoughts, and prayers, of your many friends here and combine them with the wonderful memories of Byron which will always be with you.......and let your heart be filled. Then someday soon a smile will be there again.......If for nothing else then to quizzically wonder how you came to acquire so many friends, many unmet, at a little cafe that doesn't really exist.........

All of Our Love to You,

Pat and Karen

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: open mike
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 01:05 PM

OH SWEETIE!
My heart goes out to you.
I surround you with love and light.

for both you and Byron, here is a
Sufi song which brings comfort:

May the long-time sun shine upon you
All love surround you
and the pure light within you
Guide your way home


When my mother was on her death bed
I was reading the Tibetan Book of Living
and Dying and also Ram Dass's "Still Here"
I found comfort in some of the images there
which i will share with you here:
one was that when the spirit leaves the body,
it experiences a relief as if removing a
shoe that is uncomfortably tight.

When i think of that and take a deep breath,
I try to imagine the joy of a spirit freed
from the bondage of this body.
Hope these ideas offer some solace to you.
These and the memories you two have of the
joy and music you shared.
Please do let us know how you are doing,
and if there is anything we can do to
support you at this time.
And if there will be a service, memorial,
wake or celebration of his life.
If i could send a fragrance thru the
computer, i would like to include
roses here--close your eyes and inhale
and imagine thier smell to give you
strength for the task at hand. Laurel

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Morticia
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 01:11 PM

My dearest Allison, I am so sad to hear this, and yet so glad you had at least some time with such a wonderful man....I wish I could be there to hug you in person...my arms are round you in spirit.

much love and sorrow

Terri xxxxxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Mark Clark
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 01:38 PM

Allison, Please accept my sympathies as well.

Kind regards,

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 01:59 PM

to have shared such happiness and joy in life is a special thing, and eventually that will be what sustains you. Please know that all of us reading this thread are both saddened by this and made better for knowing of the wonderful relationship you were privileged to have.

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Ebbie
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 02:07 PM

{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} I mourn for you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Dharmabum
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 02:29 PM

Allison,
My deepest sympathies for your loss.

            DB.

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: momnopp
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 02:37 PM

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Animaterra}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

JudyO

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 03:02 PM

Good thoughts and wishes for the strength you will need and which I'm sure you have. Stay strong; our thoughts and wishes surround you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Barry Finn
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 03:57 PM

Hi Alison
So sorry to hear this, my heart goes out to you & your family. There's nothing to possibly add or say to the above posts that hasn't been already said. I'm sure you'll come through this awful time & I hope that you find strength enough to guide your kids past their loss too.
Barry

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 04:25 PM

Allison, I am so sorry. You were lucky to have each other even for a short time. Celebrate his life and be comforted by your friends and family.
You are in my prayers,
Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 05:03 PM

Sincere, though totally inadequate, condolences.

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: Deckman
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 05:03 PM

My very kindest thoughts to you. Bob

Subject: RE: Obit: Byron, Animaterra's beloved SO
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 05:18 PM

Allison asked me to let everyone know that the funeral will be Friday, the 10th, at 4pm EST, which is Mudcat time, too. She invited those of us who would like to light a candle, sing a song, etc. at that time. She said there would be lots of music, friends, and such there.

She also wanted us to know that she has had company of support since this happened...friends, women mostly; the kind who come in, take care of you, your kids, and all of the daily things which need looking after, as well as help with the deeper issues surrounding such loss.

She thanks you all for your kind thoughts and messages.

kat