Jani's tribute
At about 8pm on Friday 6th June I drove you to Waitara to meet friends having a farewell party.
You got home from working late at about 7pm.
Between 7 and 8pm was to be our last hour together.
It was one crowded hour where we enjoyed chatting about the week that had been, the boat trip, the family, friends,
and the plans for the future.....you told us you were planning to head over to London at the end of the year....
We talked non-stop in the car, about the dangers of motor bikes, and how there had been a funeral that very
day for someone you knew who died in a motor bike crash.
We also talked about your cousin Sebastian and how cute he is.
When we got to Waitara you got out of the car
,.... but I called to get your attention before you walked off.
I told you that you were even more cute, to which you beamed me a cheeky smile.
Now 31 weeks later ... we are so sad.
We miss you so much. Your energy is special.
Your nature of mind was clear and pure.
I try to absorb your way of being into my days.
We are so so glad you were with us for the time we had together.
Since your death we have honored your spirit like we would a buddha.
Your buddha spirit.
I pray for the total absorption of your light into the grand luminosity.
Our suffering is heavy with hope that ascension is possible.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dearest Eli,
I always thought I would see you again.
Your bright eyes, beautiful mirrors of your soul.
Your cheeky laugh
Your caring ways.
You are loved by us all here tonight,
gathered in your honor.
You are sorely missed.
Thirty one long weeks since that terrible morning in June.
We long for you.
We laugh for you.
We look to you.
You will always travel with us.
Wonderful memories our only treasure of value.
With hope and love received in bountiful amounts,
from so many, we sadly navigate the world without you.
We will always yearn for happier days.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Memories of Eli are with us constantly.
We seek ways to enshrine his spirit here on earth to honor the joy and wisdom that he shared with us.
I wear his chain - and Nigel wears his ring.
We have spent the last 6 months building numerous shrines to him all the way along the Eastern coast of Australia…
But one of the most enduring objects of our love and hope will be the Smugglers of Light Foundation (SOL).
The idea to form a charitable organization was suggested by some of Eli’s friends in the week following his death,
and we are pleased to say that, with the incredible assistance of the Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA), this dream has become a reality.
Tonight we publicly launch our foundation in Eli’s memory and this provides us with an opportunity to thank so many of you who have contributed so generously to the cause.
The Smugglers of Light Foundation will provide assistance to youth & indigenous communities for music and film making, thereby encouraging song-writing, story-telling, musicianship and performance skills.
Our objects and purposes of the Foundation are listed on smugglersoflight.com
We plan a fundraising art exhibition at St Albans in the June long weekend this year, to mark the first anniversary of Eli’s death.
We feel the foundation is an appropriate way to honor Eli’s memory and also a timely and important contribution which we can all support.
I would like to thank.......
APRA, for administration and partnership in The Smugglers of Light
Robyn Taylor, for the amazing quilt.
Toby Finlayson and Mathew Priestly from Desert Pea Media for guidance and partnership with S.O.L.
Maggie Hall and Fergus Campbell for hosting our supper tonight to which you are all invited.
And you all for your love & support.
SO… I hereby notify the assembled crowd that in unveiling Eli’s memorial plaque, the foundation is officially launched!