Happy Birthday, Chico
Back in 2018, I wrote a pretty lengthy blog post in honor of what would have been Chico’s 48th birthday. It was up for exactly 23 minutes and then I deleted it. But, I think it’s worth (editing and) reposting again this year in honor of his 53rd birthday. Happy Birthday, Love. I honor you not just today, but every day . . .
Dear Chico,
Today would have been your 48th birthday. I know that my blessing is that I get to sit with you and listen to you and learn from you. And, believe me when I say that I do realize just exactly how much of a blessing it truly is. I’m usually waiting for the clock to hit 12:01 am so that I can send you birthday wishes and vibes. This year, I started earlier. lol
I don’t just wish you Happy Birthday today. I am grateful that you were born. I am proud of the things that you accomplished while you were on Earth. I admire the tireless work that you did, not just in your career, but….you made it look effortless to stand up for your beliefs, for those who couldn’t speak for themselves, for Mama Earth, for yourself. For me, you are the source of my daily inspiration. Without you, I would not have had the courage and the strength to accept my true self. I wouldn’t be where I am right now at this moment without your guidance and wisdom.
So, it isn’t just about wishing you a Happy Birthday. It is about celebrating every single part of you, from the moments you had on earth to now, where you continue to assist and inspire so many people from where you are on the Other Side. From the moment that I learned when your birthday actually was, I tried to do something extra special in your honor. It is usually an act of service, a charitable donation, or something like that. This year is no exception, but I also wanted to write something for you. It isn’t about giving you a gift, really, because there isn’t a gift that I could give to you that could possibly equate my esteem and gratitude for you. Yes, you mean that much to me. Still, I do try to reciprocate the things you have taught me, no matter how large or small. So, here I am - with this small dedication to you.
My custom these last almost 20 years, is to spend the morning reading the messages, blurbs, articles, dedications and watching the videos that people still create for and about you. Even after all this time, so many others hold you in their hearts and in their souls. You touched them in ways that cannot ever be fully explained. There was something about you that spoke to them, often helping to enlighten them. Still others’ lives were changed by heeding your words, listening to your thoughts, following your actions. I know my life was forever changed just by you getting in my face and saying only one word: ‘Hello.’ You are the ultimate instrument of change, able to inspire so many others even though your last moments on earth were decades ago.
I never actually joined in with any of these people in the celebration of the anniversary of your birth prior to three years ago. I usually either just click “like” on others’ posts, post hearts, or some other thinly veiled “disguised birthday wish” that I knew you would get but no one else would. I was very private when it comes to you, only allowing a select few to know about our connection to one another. I believed that no one else really cared how you literally both saved and changed my life at the same time. You would constantly encourage me to share our story with others, believing we could help so many other people along their own paths and in their journeys. Then our book came out, and so many others know our story now - well, the basics of our story, anyway. So, I joined in the celebration - beginning with your 50th birthday.
Every time I speak with anyone regarding their journey; every time I speak about my own experiences, my own journey, my own path; I am sharing our story, because I draw from our experiences together as inspiration. I’ve done this for so many others, without a second thought, without a care as to what they thought as I spoke our truth. You gave me the courage to do that. My strength comes from your inspiration. You. No one else. Just you.
So, this year, I wanted to give you something special. I wrote it awhile ago, and I know you probably are like, “C’mon, man, I was the one who gave you the idea for this!” lol But, I’m posting it anyway. I don’t normally rewrite well-known songs because - well - duh. lol But, here you go. This is the version I based my rewrite on.
Happy Birthday, Chico. Thank you for being the instrument of change in my life. Thank you for allowing me to assist you. Thank you for having the courage to stand up for your beliefs. Thank you for making me one of those beliefs. I cannot imagine where I would be right now if you hadn’t intervened in my life. Thank you for being my divine teammate.
Hallelujah
I’ve heard there is a secret cord
That connects my soul straight to yours
But you already knew that, didn’t you?
It stretches far thru
All space, all time
On without reason or rhyme
And at both ends there’s a cry of Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Your faith was strong, but I needed more
You saw me laying on the floor
Offered it all to me, didn’t you?
You came back time and again
To give me what I needed to win
And with my tears I cried it, Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Never been this way before
Never walked this path, but I wanted more.
Gave me what I needed, didn’t you?
You took my hand, led the way.
Showed me you were here to stay
And with full voice, I cried out Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
There was a time I’d scream and shout
You wanted in but I wanted out
You knew I’d give in to you, didn’t you?
I remember you touched every part of me
Opened my heart so my eyes could see
Afterwards we both cried out Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
This cord that you introduced me to
Has become my rock, my entire truth
You knew that would happen to me, didn’t you?
It does not bend, nor will it break
It guides us on this journey we take
And when it’s played the chord sounds Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
