In Celebration Of The Spirit Of Rhea. ~ Armond Blackwater 16 April 2002

Rhea died Tuesday of injuries sustained when the motorcycle she was a passenger on slid under a milk truck. But, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all those that this wonderful, spunky, little lady touched

My heart aches for Cormac,our very good friend and Blackwater Tribe member who was clearly Rhea's soulmate, I haven't adequate words to console my good friend. Only, that I love him and grieve with him.

My heart also aches for Rhea's sensitive and loving brother, Clint, a beautiful soul himself.

And my heart aches for Griz, house mate of Cormac, Rhea and Clint. A fierce-looking giant of man whose tender heart and spirit are far larger than his physical size.

Rhea was an incredibly gifted and talented young lady. She spread joy and laughter wherever she went. She has been a close friend and teacher to my daughter, Princess J. She took PJ under her wing and showed her how to survive the streets of New Orleans.

Rhea, Spring, and Princess J formed an immediate and solid bond as wise women often do. To see the three of them together was a truly magnificent sight.

I am eternally thankful that Rhea was in my life, though brief as it was, her magical touch and genuine warmth made my heart soar like a mighty hawk.

I took the time to express my appreciation and gratitude to Rhea for being a spirit helper last St. Patrick Day's weekend. For beyond all of her many gifts to this world, it was her spirit that bouyed and enhanced our lives. Typically, Rhea graciously accepted my praise and passed my observations off as, "Hey, it's just who I am." Who she was was a beautiful human being.

Rhea was afflicted with chronic and severe asthma. I watched her suffer through several asthma attacks that were the worst I have witnessed anybody endure. She found it difficult to sleep more than an hour or two at a time. Most people with such severe breathing problems would have been living in an oxygen tent or a sterile bubble. But not Rhea.

Rhea was determined to live as much of life as she could and was grateful for each moment that she had. She pushed herself to become an excellent professional dancer. She made no excuses for herself, nor did she seek any pity for her condition. Instead, she chose to savour every experience and to constantly overcome the impossible.

I have run the gamut of emotions since I heard the awful words from Ash's lips, "Rhea is dead." I'm still not believing that this could be true. My mind doesn't want to accept the fact.

And, I'm angry. Angry that she wasn't more careful. Angry that I couldn't have somehow prevented the loss. Angry that it was Rhea who died so young. With so much more to offer this world. Why? Indeed, why?

But, I realise that I am being selfish. I want to see her again. I want to hear her beautiful laughter refreshing my soul.

Rhea is the first Blackwater Tribe member to die since the death of Chief Sunshine Blackwater in 1991 at age 67. Like Sunshine, Rhea packed several lifetimes worth of living into a short life; only, Rhea packed it into 24 years.

Rhea will live on in the hearts and souls of The Blackwater Tribe forever. So great was her impact. So profound was her wisdom.

As Nietzche said,

"All joy wants eternity.
Wants deep,
Wants deep eternity!"

Rhea's flame will burn eternal in the Cafe' Be At.

Pay Attention ~ Ash Blackwater

Way too early on a monday morning
Drinking coffee in an open window Overlooking Coliseum Park
Two beautiful women Two beautiful men
Dido and the Chili Peppers

Nobody said this would be the last time
Would I have done anything different? Would you?

Well, my friend, there is no "would've should've could've." Only did and didn't.

Rhea had come down a long path to be with us that day. Like every path, it had some nasty twists, some rough spots, some steep uphill climbs and some long drops.

It also had plenty of fragrant flowers and beautiful scenery, waterfalls and dragonflies. Soft spots in the shade and cool pools for lazy midsummer swims.

She brought us souveniers and snapshots, trophies and scars. She told stories and taught lessons. She made our lives richer and fuller, brighter and better focused.

I never got a chance to thank her, and I never will.

Why?

Well now that's the question homonids have been asking for millions of years, isn't it?
We've asked the Mountains
We've asked the Sea
We've asked Cave Bear and Buffallo
Salmon and Coyote
Snake and Eagle
We've asked the Sun
The Moon
The Stars

Wizard and Druid
Shaman and Oracle
Priest and Rabbi
Have asked the Spirits

Why do people die?

The right answer is quite unsatisfying:
Just Because
Life is Death

Is there a lesson that can be learned? I think so. It's not about drinking and driving or wearing helmets or hitch-hiking. It's about paying attention.

PAY ATTENTION!

To your life
Your world
The people you love

PAY ATTENTION!

Savour every moment
Every bite of cake
Every sip of coffee
Every hit of smoke
Every smile
Every kiss
Every footstep
Every heartbeat
Every thing
Every one

PAY ATTENTION!

Because there is no "would've should've could've."
There is no "what if?" or "I wish."
If you miss it now you will miss it later.
There is no question about it.
THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE!

PAY ATTENTION!

I cannot express in words how blessed I am to have had Rhea in my life. To have spent the few fleeting moments I did with her. It will have to come out in song, in paint, and most importantly in the way I live my life from here on out. For everyone who never got the chance or who had the chance and passed it up, I'm sorry. You missed out on something very special.

But you've still got a chance.
All that beauty, power, and energy
All that vibrance and intelligence
All that grace and confidence
Had to go somewhere
And wherever you are in the Universe
You can find it if you look
You can see it if you
Pay Attention

Shea Malcom
I wanted to reply right away, but I have been in shock ever since I read your words.

I had only just met Rhea but I was looking forward to seeing her again.

I remember how wonderful she was in the short time I got to spend around her. I would have liked to have gotten to know her better; I feel privileged to have gotten to meet her.

I have not been able to sleep well the last few days. Every time I close my eyes I see her as she was that night at Cormac's. I can't believe she's gone.

I don't know what to say...I have become numb thinking about how this has effected everyone. I barely knew her and it has hit me like a brick wall.

I read Ash's and your tributes and they touched my heart. I send you all of my love. ~ Shea Malcolm

Rhea. Angel.This tragedy that has befallen you will never leave my mind. It stirs the deepest of emotions in my soul.Your caring heart was always checking up on me, doing anything you could to improve my life. I loved you as a sister, the three of us, we were a team. I will continue to love you. Your spirit inspired mine every time I saw your beautiful face. A sight my eyes will never be blessed with again. You live now in the beauty that surrounds me, it all reminds me of you. Every Flower. Every Dragonfly. Every Ray of Sun and Moon light. I wish I could hear your voice, just one last time. Though the words I've heard you speak will always replay in my mind. "Hey Darling" "Hi Sweet Girl" "How's my baby doing today" The road will be rougher without your smile to brighten it, your glitter will always be present. Explaining how this has affected me is pointless, the words simply don't exist. I know you know, where ever you may be now. I'm so sorry it had to be you.

I love you

I miss you

-P.J. Blackwater

The Rhea Gallery