Ode to Oliver

1:32 a.m. the clock shows. I wake to a haunting melody drifting into my room. The sound of a sweet violin plays in the distance. I lie smiling, seeing him thru closed eyes standing alone in an abandoned monastery for the echoes sing, swaying as he plays so gleefully. My mind says hush, return to sleep for it is much to early to wake but I can not. I listen to my heart and savour this moment.
3:00 a.m. and still Monday, the worst day. I have remained awake listening for the violin to return. Alas the classics prevail. This just won’t do. Best to get up and at em. Log on to Radio Canada searching for their play list. The connection is slow this morn. Hhmmm, who in heavens name would be on-line at this hour? Giggling to myself, o yeah I wonder who.
5:00 a.m. Ahhh, an early start of another work week. This is better for my employer has high speed. The wave of the Internet provides smooth surfing. But still can’t find the play list.
10:00 a.m. Finally a break. Phone the 1-800 number and ask for ze French CBC. I explain my predicament to the woman. “Une momente, si’l vous plait” and I hear her footsteps cross the room. “Ello, madam, at 1:30 a.m. Oliver Schroer’s Camino played. Does dat elp ayou?” O my fine woman thank you so very much and have a wonderful day !
10:30 a.m. A quick Google (doesn’t everyone) of Oliver Schroer and up pops his website. Aha! There it is. Click, Add To Cart.
Ten minutes later confirmation received.
8:35 p.m. Tuesday, antsy I e-mail the website asking when o when will I be able to listen to his melodious violin again.
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, delivered into my anxious hands. I now rest easy.

A few months later I was privileged to attend his concert and shake his hand. A few months later he was diagnosed.

Oliver has left us. His message....."Don't look at what you don't have. Make sure your glass is half full, not half empty. This is a stance you take in life. It is not a random attitude. But with just a little bit of practice, that becomes an attitude you can easily stick to. Lets put it this way. If I can think like this in my present position, I would hope that you all can do the same. I would even ask you to do this for me. Take that stance in life for me and from me, and concentrate always on the positive."

Thank you Ministrel your music sings forever in me heart.