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Wayman Tisdale died today... or did he, really?!?
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I just heard a few hours ago that the well known jazz musician and basket ball player, Wayman Tisdale died today, at the St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was only 44 years old, and had been dealing with a type of cancer in the knee (osteosarcoma) for over two years. I have to admit that although I enjoyed listening to Wayman on the smooth jazz station I listen to frequently, I didn't know very much about him. For instance, I was not aware that he was struggling with cancer..jpg)
Wayman Tisdale had a remarkable attitude about life: Besides being an outstanding basket ball player (played for three NBA teams between 1985 & 1997) and guitarist, he taught young people about the perils of drugs, and he kept a positive approach, even toward his cancer. First and foremost, he shared himself, his talent, and his heart openly. Musically, he was a smooth jazz bass guitarist; and he knew the power of sharing who he was as soon as he started to play the notes on his guitar. Seattle will miss him particularly, as he was scheduled to have his next concert here on May 22nd, a week from today...
Although Wayman's physical life has ended, his soul and spirit live on among us. As I shared in my article last month ("Perhaps we take death too seriously?"), we sometimes feel like "it's all over" when someone dies. However, for them, their new and amazing adventure is just beginning! Wayman is the lucky one, in that he's now graduated from this earthly existence that's full of challenges -- learning opportunities! -- and his soul now gets to experience who he truly is. He will be connected to all of us who appreciated and enjoyed his life, his music, and his jovial, upbeat nature (One of his musical pieces was called "Way Up!" -- How perfect is that, especially now?!?) through his music and spirit that live on. For us to experience this connection, all we need to do is believe it, know it in our soul. We will feel his love and his light when we believe and know that it does not end, but continues on.
I recall when my own mother died almost 20 years ago now. As sad and grief stricken as I was that she was gone physically, I remember waking up to the fact one day that now my mother was only a thought away. I didn't have to travel to visit her, I didn't have to call her on the phone, all I had to do was think of her or talk with her, and she could hear me. I couldn't necessarily hear her talk back to me, but that was okay -- maybe that was even good sometimes! I knew she was aware that I was thinking of her, connecting with her, and that was enough.
May we all benefit from the Love, Light, and talent of Wayman; and may we keep sharing our Love, Light, and the unique and special gift of who we are, even as we grieve his loss and remember him. He's now really Way Up! there, watching over us all. Thanks, Angel Tisdale, Dancing heart~~~
p.s. Photo is part of a video, by Mark Hopper (Champoli, 12/4/08)
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