Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: JW_Halverson on October 15, 2016, 05:40:22 pm

Title: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: JW_Halverson on October 15, 2016, 05:40:22 pm
Icarus passed into the Eternal Night where there comes no dawning.  It is the night we fear, but held no terrors for one such as her.  Her eyes were made for the night.  Her ears revealed all that walked, crept, or slithered through that darkness.  Her wings, both soft and strong, could carry her away or silently bring her to that which thought itself safe in the night. Her talons easily were suited for her needs.

Eyes, ears, wings, and talons, she enforced her authority over the night. So do not weep for her translation from the temporary little nights we so deeply fear.  For she has gone to the Eternal Night, where she reigns. 

So, goodnight my dear Icarus.  I pray you will come for me and comfort me when the time comes for my passage into the Long Night.



(http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo100/JW_Halverson/Bird%20stuff/Icarus_zpssurgmuxr.png) (http://s365.photobucket.com/user/JW_Halverson/media/Bird%20stuff/Icarus_zpssurgmuxr.png.html)
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: bluegill68 on October 15, 2016, 07:48:26 pm
My sincere condolences John, take solace in the time spent with her.

She flys again on a mended wing.
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: Dakota Kid on October 15, 2016, 08:02:10 pm
Sorry for your loss.

Truly a magnificent and awe inspiring friend to have had.
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: DC on October 15, 2016, 08:06:29 pm
It's tough.
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: mullet on October 15, 2016, 08:09:44 pm
Beautiful bird.
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: osage outlaw on October 15, 2016, 10:08:25 pm
Beautiful bird.

My thoughts exactly. 
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: jeffhalfrack on October 15, 2016, 10:11:43 pm
Man I have no words,,,,,,,,,I do know that bond,,,,,,,,sorry. Jeff W
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: GB on October 16, 2016, 03:05:19 am
That is a wonderful eulogy for a magnificent bird, JW.
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: chamookman on October 16, 2016, 05:10:37 am
Sorry for Your loss JW. Bob
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: Ruddy Darter on October 16, 2016, 06:08:56 am
Sorry for your loss JW_, what a friend to of been blessed with.

 Darran.
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: Pat B on October 16, 2016, 01:18:47 pm
Sorry for your loss and the lose to the raptor center and friends. She was a noble creature.
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: JW_Halverson on October 16, 2016, 02:49:19 pm
This comes down extra hard on me because of what has already happened this week. 

Losing AliciaArchery in a senseless head-on crash caused by a texting driver started the ball rolling.  Then on Wednesday, the young lady I had been dating last winter and this spring hit a deer with her Harley while out on a Memorial Ride.  She was killed instantly.  The morning after an impromptu wake with a huge crowd of Ashley's friends, I find Icarus gone. 

When it rains, it pours, they always say.

Thank God I have a lot of hard road miles on me.  I have "seen the elephant" before.  I understand that my thoughts will be dark and wracked with guilt.  I know that waves of grief will threaten to pull me under with no warning.  Like I said, been there, done that, wore out the reunion tshirt. I know I will not get over any of these losses, and I don't want to.  I won't even fight it, I will ride it.  Then I will eventually find a measure of familiarity and comfort with that grief. It becomes woven into the fabric of the tapestry that is my life.  There is nothing wrong with grieving, there is nothing wrong with that hurt.  It simply measures how much and how well you have loved and cared. 

Last night I got a call from the man that Ashley has been dating for the last few months.  Tom put a glow in her face and sparks in her eyes like no one had ever before! I knew this was the real deal for the both of them and it made me very happy to watch their relationship grow in leaps and bounds.  You see, I was in Tom's shoes 27 years ago.  Essentially the same damned situation. And I didn't deal with it, cope with it, handle it, or nothing. Twenty years of trying to tamp it down poisoned my career(s), my marriage, and my life.  Seven years of working it out with intermittent professional help just in time to be there for Tom. So I guess that is "why" enough for me.  All that, just so I can keep him from making my mistakes all over again, maybe.  And it's enough.

Somewhere along the way, I lost my desire to find my own redemption.  I would rather help others find it for themselves. I guess, that will have to serve as mine.  Gonna stop here, both because of the policy on religion and my own deep seated lack of faith in faith. I said far, far more than I ever meant to on the subject anyway.
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: YosemiteBen on October 16, 2016, 05:00:03 pm
Fine words JW. Spoken from the heart and experience. Prayers for those lost and for you friend.
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: Buffalogobbler on October 17, 2016, 10:16:11 am
Rely on the good memories JW, keep them alive and warm in your heart and they will never fail you in a time of need.

Kevin
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: Parnell on October 17, 2016, 10:27:36 am
Nothing gold can stay, JW.  My thoughts go out to you.  It does seem every so often life sends these types of waves at us in a set.  I try to remember what my dad had taught me swimming in the ocean.  Don't fight them, swim down deep underneath them and you'll come up fine on the other side. 
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: Pappy on October 17, 2016, 10:56:19 am
Very sorry for your loss JW life can really kick you when you are down sometimes, :( more sorry for you loss in faith, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
 Pappy
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: JoJoDapyro on October 17, 2016, 10:57:34 am
It is funny how the furry and feathered ones can take such a large chunk of us when they go. I still miss my Pete and Fieldy. Good friends gone too soon. Also keep in mind that they will be waiting for us on the other side, or we just die, either way, it's fine.
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: Aaron H on October 17, 2016, 12:57:24 pm
Very sorry for your loss of many close ones JW, you will be in my prayers
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: Oglala Bowyer on October 18, 2016, 08:36:46 am
We at WC elementary send our condolences to your loss. We appreciate all that Icarus had to teach us.
Title: Re: The Long Night that knows no dawning...
Post by: Stoker on October 18, 2016, 10:24:32 am
Sorry for your loss JW.. The hunt will continue on the other side... You are in my thoughts
Thanks Leroy