With a little help from my friends

Each year,since 2004 I mark this, the date of my oldest son’s

passing.I do not celebrate his death, only acknowledge that

the mark he left on the earth was one of joy.

His brother, his family and  friends, and lover’s do the same I am certain.

We remember his wit, his charm, his ability to make us

laugh. I remember all of these, and more…

I remember his first play, his first prom, his first girlfriend

and taking him to the bus station when he was going to enlist in the

Army.

I remember him constantly sneaking up on me while I was vacuuming

to catch me unaware and scare me. He always  laughed so hard I could not help

but laugh, too. I remember his heartbreak when his best friend and cousin

died suddenly. His grief was so intense it was as if God ripped half of him away too.

I remember when his baby birds were attacked and killed by marauding Fire Ants.

It made my heart hurt to know I had raised a man with such compassion.

I remember the death of his only child.

He left this Earth a better place and that can be no better tribute.