Today is September 2, 2023. It’s a sad day in Margaritaville. Jimmy Buffett died yesterday. His passing will have a profound effect on the 10s of thousands who have embraced his laid-back philosophy of life. We call ourselves Parrot Heads and I’m proud to be one of them. I consider him to be a close friend I never met and I’m sad that he’s gone. Today I’ll use his own words to honor his memory. Jimmy said, “I have always looked at life as a voyage, mostly wonderful, sometimes frightening. In my family and friends I have discovered treasure more valuable than gold.” “Sail the main course in a simply study craft. Keep her well stocked with short stories and long laughs. Go fast enough to get there, but slow enough to see. Moderation seems to be the key.” “If there’s a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached.” “Be yourself, be pleasant, play hard and have no regrets.” “It takes no more time to see the good side of life than to see the bad.” “Fun is about as good a habit as there is.” “Some of it’s magic and some of it’s tragic but I had a good life all the way.” “Breathe in, Breathe out, move on.” “I’m growing older but not up.” “My voyage was never a well-conceived plan, nor will it ever be. I have made it up as I went along.” “And there’s that one particular harbor, Sheltered from the wind, Where the children play on the shore each day, And all are safe within… “I’m sure that’s where Jimmy is right now. I’ll leave you today with a quote from one of my favorite philosophers, Dr. Seuss who said, “Don’t cry because it’s ending, smile because it happened.” Abide.
