[Dixielandjazz] Re. Adieu, Jim Beebe

[Nancy Giffin]

Re. Adieu, Jim Beebe

Yes, Harold, I'd say Jim was more spiritually prepared than anyone I've ever
known.  He maintained a great attitude despite his respiratory troubles.  We
spoke freely of his imminent passing and what might lie beyond the veil.
I'd like to share some of the wisdom he imparted to me in a condolence
letter he sent upon learning of my father's death.  May we all remember this
message.

God Bless and Semper Fidelis, Jim.
Love and hugs,
Nancy

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From: "Jim Beebe" <jbeebe at centurytel.net>
Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 22:37:08 -0600
To: "Nancy Giffin" <nancyink at ulink.net>
Subject: I salute your father

Nancy:  gosh...I'm sorry to hear this about your father.  Not a happy
holiday for you. I'm sorry that I never got to meet him and envious of the
special solo he got from Trummy Young.  My prayers and thoughts are with
you at this most tender time.

I have actually been thinking of the things that you have been pondering.  I
think that your dad would concur with my thoughts.  It has taken me a long
time to realize and really grasp these concepts.  I was watching a great
movie, "One True thing," recently.  Meryl Streep is a dying woman and her
daughter has discovered some shocking things about her father.  The mother
makes the daughter listen to her:  "There isn't one thing you know about
your father that I don't know. You will have to make concessions in life.
Love what you have, don't look for something or someone out there to make
you happy. You can decide to be happy or unhappy."

This message is very deep.  You are the one who can decide to be happy or
unhappy.  We have so been conditioned to believe our happiness depends on
having a particular person at our side or particular objects will make us
happy.  NO!  Make the decision to be happy, and maintain that attitude.
This
will change your life.

Passing judgement on everyone and everything is a very bad habit that we
should lose.  It is a terrible burden to bear.  As we go through the day,
try
to monitor our thinking so that we aren't relentlessly condemning or passing
judgement on everyone and everything.  Try monitoring this, and you will be
amazed.  You will also be relieved as you start to control and limit this.
I got this from ACIM  ("A Course in Miracles.")

You know, come to think of it, Trummy Young always emphasized happiness.  He
would say, "...But are you happy?"

If I were still playing, I would play "Going Home" for your dad.

Take care Nancy.  Music has the power to heal.
"One True thing" is worth seeing.

Jim Beebe