As everyone that is reading this post knows, Ray was a talented man.
I am sure that everyone of us could tell a story or share a memory of something he said, or did, that would prove he was talented.
He was a naturally gifted artist. That was evident to anyone that knew him back in the day. He could draw or sketch some of the most intricate pictures. He seemed to always be doodling something in that big drawing book he carried around. We would always tell him how good the work was, and he would always say it was a hobby.... something he did to pass time. Deep down inside it was something he was passionate about, but not something he would brag about. That was Ray, right? Always beyond GREAT, but never able to accept it.
When Ray started "dabbling" in music, it was a whole new outlet for him. He had a voice, and he was using it. He made crazy character outfits, and became his own personas. Ambrosia Salad, anyone? Ray undoubtedly was ahead of his time... he could spin a song out in an evening, and it would be the most soul seering thing you ever heard, and he would say something crazy like, "I was just thinking about rain and how it makes the air smell funny, and I wrote this song." I could listen to the CD of his music all day. I can listen to the lyrics, and think of 100 things that he could have meant from each line. He could paint a mental picture that no one else could. There is emotion in the words, and in a way some of them are eiry, like fate knew something we did not.
Unfortunately, fate is something that we can not escape. She is an evil witch and on occasion she rears her ugly head.
If there was one thing about Ray's talent that I could share, it would be his ability to make you think you were his best friend. I have read hundreds of posts about Ray. Entries from his blog on the bipolar site, clips of his stage shows, memories of the things he shared with all of you. The things that make you smile, cry, and sometimes yell out loud. But everyone of them share a common link... the way he had of really listening to a person, and giving every person his undivided attention and compassion. It was like every person he met was his best friend. Like each time he talked to you he was truly bearing your burdens and sharing your joy. It's the reason so many people loved him, why we all miss him.
In remembering Ray, we decided to do what we thought would be a great way to keep the "artist" in Ray alive. We decided to start theNigelproject. Everyone knows where Ray started. In the "sleepy" little town of House Springs, at a typical high school. He was an adequate student with the artistic streak you couldn't believe. He wore "goth" clothes and listened to alternative music. He was a normal teenager trying to find himself. To honor that start, we are selling the "Radio Jesus Loves Me" and "The Veil" tshirts, along with the bracelets, with the hopes of raising $500.00 to give a scholarship to a senior at the high school where Ray started. So, if you are looking for a way to "Remember Ray" We would really appreciate your support. Just check our Facebook page for the link. It would be a fitting tribute to the man we all loved to be able to help the next "Ray" get started to find themselves, because paying it forward is what life is all about, and it would make Ray very proud.
All that mushy stuff,
Beulah
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