A Legacy Of Laughter and Love

How is everyone doing this gray morning? The highlight of this day so far has been watching my kitty Bogie creep up to his elevated food bowl and cautiously dip one foot into the soggy mess, dig around a bit until he snags a chunk of whateverthemeatis and carefully pop it into his mouth. Most of the time, he spits it onto the floor first. For a closer inspection, maybe? He doesn’t always use his paws to eat, but then I wonder why today, why use your paw like a bear when yesterday you ate like a cat? They are aliens in disguise, I swear. But on to more introspective topics, like last night’s early show at La Catrina Cantina.

We came together as a community to Celebrate the Life of Patrick Henry Murray, who would have turned 58 years old on November 02. According to Juan Alvarado, the owner of La CC, who has been working closely with the authorities in this case, the men responsible will be taken into custody soon. Cheers and much applause followed that announcement that ended our evening, which was full of song, heartfelt remembrances, and the love everyone had (has) for Patrick.

Bing Young kicked off the program, singing without a piano, and was followed by Juan Alvarado, who touchingly introduced a video clip shot at La CC, debuting a new tune and marking his last appearance at that venue. Patrick had learned the song at Juan’s request.

And so, the night went on, not in sadness; there were too many hilariously funny stories about Patrick for that, but the underlying sense of profound loss kept tears hovering on the edge of overflow for hours.

Everyone who took the stage with a song or a story gave back a piece of the life that was Patrick Henry’s to every one of us.

Through the words and lyrics, combined with the video loop that played throughout the evening, we experienced some of his joy, his voice, pictures of his family, his songs, and, oh, that smile!

There was a sound healing meditation with singing bowls and small gongs that was juxtaposed with some good ole’ Louisiana line dancing that brought us back to the present.

The dance floor quickly filled, mainly with those familiar with the steps, and it was a delight to watch. A few other brave souls threw themselves into the ordered melee and raised the level of laughter, which is precisely what Patrick Henry would have done.

Thanks go to Juan Alvarado and the staff at La Catrina Cantina, and to Jason Mathis for hosting the event with such great poise and composure. To the entertainers who came to play and sing in celebration of their friend and collaborator, thank you.

The vibration of the voices will go on and on. The energy will help heal the physical loss of Patrick, and you can be sure his legacy of love and kindness to everyone he met will linger in the corners of the hearts who knew him, and will, in turn, touch those who did not.