I have started giving away my beloved husband’s possessions — cowboy shirts, jeans, shoes and drums. I am keeping one set of drums and the keyboard for when I feel inclined or his spirit visits in the wee hours. One of his favorite drum sets is going to Mexico as a gift for his long time friend and mentor, Willie Ornelas.

I haven’t moved a thing in his studio, so taking these drums out of there is a little unsettling for me. I’m so used to seeing them on the shelf. The studio is just as he left it the Monday evening before he passed. It is sacred ground …. still … for me.

I didn’t think any of this would affect me and the clothes and shoes haven’t but this morning I have tears streaming down my cheeks at the thought of saying goodbye to this adorable little Yamaha jazz set that was given to him by Eric Garcia, a renowned guitar player in Los Angeles whom Steve adored.

My tears are a mixture of sadness and joy but in the end, the joy wins and I am comforted by how much Steve loved Willie and these drums. I find that there is much glee, freedom and rapture in spreading the love.

Spreading the love of his possessions, his goodness, his corny humor and his unconditional love.

Let’s wallow in it, shall we?

DeeDee