While I’m Gone- Radiate- Warrior

Do what you will while you're able- find what it is that you seek:  XAVIER RUDD

 

There is one musician who has captivated me over the years. Xavier Rudd broke the mold in originality and has coloured my world, with his soulful spirit! 

I have seen this Australian performer four times now and on every occasion, I am left with an imprint of his lyrical tapestry of words, interwoven into my heart. 

Back in the summer, when I discovered he was coming to the Island, I purchased a ticket. In 2015, XAVIER RUDD kicked off the year by revealing his self-described “dream project”; a complete reggae record. Leading THE UNITED NATIONS; Rudd brought together an international line-up of musicians from New Guinea, Australia, Africa, Germany and Samoa.

I would paddle a ‘dugout’ across the raging ocean to see him perform on any Island. Fortunately for me, I lived on the land mass where Xavier was performing and it was only a short drive out of town for me. 

The concert was on October 24^th at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre in Duncan.

I knew the night would be a late one and booked a room at the local hotel.

Before I left town, Saanich Baptist Church was offering a “Car Care” day at Cedar Hill Automotive. I received a free oil change, inspection, car wash and vacuuming of my beloved “Sheba.” My vehicle was shining spotless and when I went to get into my vehicle… there was something in my passenger seat that was serendipitous. 

Prior to me departing for the mechanic’s shop, I was remembering one of the concerts of Xavier’s, I had attended. It was the first time Shayla and I ever saw him perform as we resided in Kelowna. She fell in love with the beats of his music matching her jigs up and down the aisles. The Xavier Rudd t-shirt she bought was dripping with her perspiration and he voice was hoarse by the end of the night. Shayla drew from the sacred Aboriginal connection, letting his words settle, onto her drenched soul. It remains one of the best nights together as mother and daughter. 

Had it not been for an encounter with an Englishman who introduced us to Xavier Rudd, our lives would have had less harmony in them. 

In my reflecting that autumn morning at the mechanic’s, I was missing my daughter and wished she was in the passenger seat with me, attending the concert once again. After my vehicle had been given some much needed TLC, I opened the door and the tears began to flow. Enclosed in pink wrapping with the words Faith, Hope and Believe on it, was a gorgeous bouquet of bright pink Gerbera Daisies. They were Shayla’s favourite flower and at her Celebration of Life, I had a vase of multi-coloured Gerbera’s for her friends to receive. Equally poignant was where they were placed… on the passenger seat. The Car Care people were not sure what to make of my emotions, until I offered an explanation. 

I left on my road trip, not feeling like I was going solo anymore.

Once at the hotel, I took the medicine bag I have of Shayla’s stones and the note she carried in her winter jacket- the one I had written to her years earlier and placed the pouch around my neck. It symbolized how my daughter is always with me.

At the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, the crowd was a wide range of ages. It made me think of the branches that connect all of us to one another, through the love of music.

Making my way to my seat, which was at the back and in the middle- a distance away from the stage- I went to find my spot. I approached a young couple and noticed she was in my place. I showed her my ticket and she shared that at the time her and her boyfriend bought their tickets, they were in two different seats at the venue. She wanted to be sitting with her boyfriend and asked if we could exchange tickets. It did not matter as I was by myself and any seat looked good. When she gave me her ticket, my cell phone light showed me where I was relocating too. I was thrilled to see it was front and centre row, right in view of the stage! Thanking her profusely, my feet ran to the spot where my seat awaited.

Next to me, was an exquisite woman with raven flowing hair. She had tiny bells on her sandals and I loved it when she took a step and she jingled. I recall her first name as Leslie and if she reads this, I hope I am right! She had the kindest eyes; a twinkle to them. She too had been gifted a front seat and we were charged up for Xavier and his band to perform. Before the end of the night, you would have thought we had come together to the concert! 

I shared about Shayla and our love for the music which comes at you- the words penetrating your spirit. I was overwhelmed when the song “Nanna” began- which is the title of his new album. As one of the band members played a flute, another woman speaking in her Aboriginal tongue made something in that venue, grab a hold of me. I began to weep; with tears dancing upon Xavier’s words…I felt a powerful connection to my babygirl. Leslie reached over to me and we swayed back and forth- one mother to another. 

After a night of laughter, tears, dancing and singing, I walked to the table of Xavier’s memorabilia. I had many of his previous shirts and it felt right to keep the tradition. 

Then I spotted a poster and it brought me back in an instant to one I had bought and framed, for someone I once shared a life with. I knew I needed to cleanse the past with new beginnings and bought a poster for myself. Someday, when my roots are settled again, I will display it with the appreciation I have of the man it embodies. 

I also shared with Leslie about The Heart Pebble Movement. She was kind to listen and I assured her I would eventually be posting on my blog, about the amazing night. Leslie was a beautiful soul and for one night- two strangers came together, because of unforeseen circumstances, of our seats. She kindly gave me a ride back to my vehicle and wished me well. 

Part of me wanted to go out, to release some of the energy that had been absorbed, yet I went back to the hotel and listened to the full CD, I had just bought of Xavier’s. It occurred to me that I had left all of his music behind when I left the mainland. This was out of respect to the person who introduced me to him. The CD I now held in my hands was all mine…no sharing required. 

The next day, I was preparing to leave the hotel when the lady working at the office came and got me. I had told her about why I had come to attend the Xavier Rudd concert and that included Shayla. Once outside, I smiled as I saw the brilliant rays of an arched rainbow right over, where I had stayed. 

God’s grace had taken a hold of my life and the blessings I received on an autumn day, reminded me... that my journey is never walked alone.

By TL Alton