Laura Burhenn: A Resolution for Every Year – To Love and Live Fully.

Laura Burhenn is the immensely talented singer / songwriter / musician behind The Mynabirds,  and was a member of the O+S touring band.  Her experience of Gregory was limited to that time,  but she eloquently expresses how even those of us who knew him for much longer are feeling.

“During a soundcheck in Portland, Oregon last March I felt compelled to capture a moment as many times as I could: a heart of light shining above Gregory and his drums. I’d only met him the week before, but already I knew — here was someone special, someone who knew something — that secret about how life should be lived — without fear or hesitation, and with open arms, ears, and eyes, and a heart so full with love it is catching. When he talked of past troubles, he beamed with Zen wisdom: life is learning and every lesson is worth the pain of a misstep to come out better on the other side. And when he spoke of his loved ones (especially his most beautiful Honeymoon), he shined with love so fully he glowed from the inside out. He radiated. There is no other way to say it. Not many people get to that point. Not many are honest enough to really speak, humble enough to really listen, and bold enough to really live. But Gregory was. He taught us that every moment, every connection should be cherished, savored, and appreciated, because every moment happens only once. And then it’s gone. But absence is no reason to mourn. Instead it is reason to celebrate the singularity, give thanks that we could share in the miracles of moments, things — and people — that cannot be recreated and are more special because of it. As I sit here missing Gregory, wishing he’d had more time with us to keep sharing his light and his wisdom, I am trying to focus on the joy of his life and everything he gave. I wonder if he didn’t leave us on New Year’s Day to remind us that we need a resolution: to live life fully, to savor every moment, to love so completely it shines beyond ourselves and catches everything and everyone around us. I can think of no better way to honor Gregory than to make that my resolution — for this year and every year that follows. I think he’d smile at that.”