In Honor of Gus Pausz

The eagle reported that it had witnessed the soul of Gus
- a gentle man with the long legged graceful qualities of a heron -
begin his soul journey onward beyond the earth plain.

It was told that as the regal heron stood in the water,
he spread his great wings and they lifted him toward the sky.

As his feet left the water, they left a ripple of love-
touching all in its path.

The mouse carried on the news that a peaceful warrior
had died early in the morning.

The news spread quickly to the prairie.
The prairie began to quiver with a great sadness knowing that one
who cared so much would no longer be there to tend and care.

The quiver rippled through the grasses
and sent the sad message on to all the animals and birds.
They began to mourn the loss of a good and gentle man.
A man who positively touched the lives of everyone he met.

He was remembered fondly.

Gus had the energy and enthusiasm of a child.
He had a sparkle in his eye and a spring in his step.
He was known for his kindness and his humor.
He was known for his gentle strength.
Gus was a caretaker of many.
He was an angel on earth.

As the animals, plants, birds and people mourned,
a gentle, playful snow bagan to fall - slowly at first and then it fell faster and heavier.
It covered the earth with its soft comfort.

It said,
"I am Gus. I am always with you.
I am the wind at your back.
I am the sun on your face.
I am the whisper of the prairie.
I am the song of the bird.
I am the gentleness of the deer.
I am the strength of the bear.
I am the soft, protective comfort of snow.
When you miss me - step outside.
I will be there waiting for you.
I haven't really left.
I have become
a great heron in the sky.
Now I know
what it feels like to fly.
Now I know why birds sing."

His message of light and goodness was carried on
by all those lives he had touched.
It is said that his ripple will go on for eternity.
And so it is.

The Ripple Effect message

Dear Gus, may we stay strong
We weave for you this song
You've earned yourself a rest
You walk now with the best

We light this hopeful candle
From the flame within your heart
The Peace you set in motion
We won't let it fall apart, since you touched and warmed our hearts

Great Spirit's called you Home
Your work is finished here
Your work will carry on
From each one of us here - it is good work.

We light this hopeful candle
From the flame within your heart
The Peace you set in motion
We won't let it fall apart, since you touched and warmed our hearts

You were a grand warrior
A member of the TEAM
You've touched the lives of many
Your work is done for now - it is good work

We light this hopeful candle
From the flame within your heart
The Peace you set in motion
We won't let it fall apart, since you touched and warmed our hearts

And now you'll soar with eagles
And joy will  never cease
And you'll wear a purple feather
Gus Pausz, we wish you Peace

We light this hopeful candle
From the flame within our hearts
The Peace you set in motion
We won't let it fall apart, since you touched and warmed our hearts

We are ONE
ONE
ONE