The After Party

Dave took his last breath just before 9:00 on Sunday morning. His eyes were clear and peaceful and body was still as he made the transition. The Mother of All Parties was in full-force up to Saturday night. Dave was showered with love and peace by the friends and family surrounding him. That love guided him to Limitless Light.

Sunday's early morning was overcast and the light inside our house was low. After he passed, as I prayed and lit candles, the rooms filled with bright, warm sunshine.

A few hours later, I stepped out onto the front porch. Young Carissa called to me from across the street to come see her drawing. On the sidewalk, she had drawn herself holding hands with Dave. There were flowers (and a turkey) around them.

She told me that she was very sad and crying in her bedroom after her father told her the news of Dave's death. Then she looked out her window and saw Dave looking down at her. He told her not to cry and gave her a smile. Carissa explained that she then knew that she didn't have to be sad and went outside to draw.

Let's celebrate the awesome life of David Michael Zagorski and know he has started the after party for us all!

Musical visit

Kristen, Steve, Evan, and Julian came for a visit on Monday. Dave perked up having the kids around. He and Julian locked eyes and practiced telepathy. Evan entertained us all with his precocious piano skills, and inspired Dave to accompany his drumming.

the Mother of All Parties goes on tour

This past week was filled with adventure as we toured the Captial District. We kicked it off on Tuesday by going out to a free Rogue Wave concert at Jillian's in downtown Albany.

After the show, we enjoyed the perfect night around a fire in the backyard.

Saturday we cooked out with Katie, Dave D., Alex, and Charlie.

Sunday, we headed out to Chatham for Ian and Casey's 1st annual 4th of July party. Dave's one-wife-four-wayward-boy entourage arrived with water balloons and a 1/2 keg of Long Trail Ale.

After a day of watermelon smashing, water balloon launching, and fireworks Frank, Dave, and Amelia camped pond-side. Dave woke-up fresh and stood to take in the magnificent landscape.

"The Mother of All Parties"

Timothy Leary writes in Design for Dying:

When I learned that I was dying, I was thrilled. I posted a sign in my home, "The Mother of All Parties". All my great friends have come to visit, reflect on the past, help me plan and design my future death, and just plain hang out and have a good time. It's wonderful having everybody come and pay tribute beofre you die, in a spirit of joy and friendship.

Instead of treating the last act in your life in terms of fear, weakness, and helplessness, think of it as a triumphant graduation. Friends and family members should treat the situation with openness, rather than avoidance. Celebrate. Discuss. Plan for that final moment.

By all means, stay out of the hospital! A tender other cannot sleep with you in a hospital bed. It's not allowed. Your friends can't hang out over a stick of ganja while the nurse gives you something a little stronger to kill the pain. If you can, gather yourself a team of helpmates and experience the graduation at home.

The house party is a wonderful way to deal with your divinity as your approach death. I cannot recommend it enough. Divinity is something you have to work at and here you can work on it with other people. Increasing intelligence and awareness is a team sport. Invite people to your house party who share your celestial ambitions. Invite the smartest, most open-minded and well-informed people you know. The amount of information is key. Look within, of course. But look within with other people. Let them look into you. Get some navigational advice.

How you die will speak volumes about how you lived.

Dave's Birthday Weekend

Dave's birthday was May 29th, so we indulged in a full-on party weekend to celebrate. We had visits from friends and family on Friday and Saturday. Dave got cool presents including Star Wars t-shirts and a supply of his favorite beer.

Sunday Dan, Mike, and Dave W. took the adventurous drive with us to the country for Casey and Ian's cookout. We were all content to be outside enjoying a beautiful day by the pond and evening by the fire. Dave happily met new friends and ate Ian's award-worthy ribs.

May 2010

April and May have been busy with great visits from friends and family. Dave loves seeing everybody and having laughs.

Spring!

We have been laying low this winter and are looking forward to spring!

The weather was warmer, so last weekend we had some adventures.

Friday we went to an art gallery to see some of GG's paintings. David settled right in for some wine and cheese.

Saturday we enjoyed a full house celebration for Dan's birthday. To prepare, Dave, Eve, and Amelia took a field trip to aquire some locally-famous cupcakes from Bette's Doubledecker Cupcake Stand.

Dave's New Music

Last week, Dave was inspired to play guitar and piano. He has had little interest in either the last couple of months, so it was awesome to hear him make music.

Here's a clip...