Sound carries meaning. A prayer carries meaning. The words Happy Birthday carry meaning. Listening to Lama Pasang chant Tibetan sutras For my brother, Stewart, my thoughts and wishes Expand across a continent, over mountains Flowing into rivers and oceans, And farther yet, on to distant shores. They expand to encompass as much as I Am capable of. For Stewart to have long life… and happiness I must think of His partner Miao She must be happy, too. And his children, Sky, Joel, Sarah, Jesse, Josh, DarDar And his siblings Lynda, Stephen and myself. And all his many friends. Then my reach must overflow, encircling The families, friends and relations Of all his family, friends and relations. And beyond yet again, the chant reverberates A rejuvenating echo Heard by the children of his children’s’ children And the families of families’ families And the relations of relations’ relations And the friends of friends’ friends. And beyond again… In all places Children Families Relations And Friends May dwell. It must rustle the leaves of distant forests Live in the songs of heavenly birds Survive the shimmer and flash of fins Arise in the twitching of earthly noses. It’s a chant that goes beyond Anything I am capable of… Except Hope… Always Hope… Wishing long life and happiness, Brother To you and all our world! Luv Craig & Diana & Family