So long for now, Bro...

Well, Anna and I arrived back home this evening from Los Angeles, and I still don't think it's really kicked in yet. At least, not until now. Part of me is still in shock, part in denial, part still angry, and part simply confused. This has been a difficult time for everyone in Alpha Delta Gamma, make no mistake, but the brothers of Lambda will need our support now more than any during the months ahead. Their strength and drive will cetainly keep them going, make no mistake, but all the same, drop them a line from time to time. Stay in touch with each other, brothers, and never forget that we are a family.

I'm rather exhausted overall and in serious need of some sleep, but I wanted to share something with you first. I don't know how many of you remember Garfield, especially the specials that CBS used to run on TV a while back. They're all on DVD, now, by the way, but that's neither here nor there. The very first one, "Here Comes Garfield," has a song by Desirée Goyette that I've never been able to forget.

"So long, old friend
I wish that I could see you once again
I never knew
The time would come when I'd be losing you

I hope you know I never meant to treat you badly
And now I know just what a friend like you is for
I never thought that it would end so sadly
And you'd be walking through that door

So long, old friend
I wish that I could see you once again
I never knew
The time would come when I'd be losing you
I always thought our fun and games would just go on and on
I never knew I'd have to say
So long"

A cartoon and song for children, perhaps, but the message is pure and one that rings true perpetually. There has not been a time when I've lost someone in my life and not had this song come to mind. I can't seem to shake it now. So long, Bro. Until we meet again, in Chapter Eternal.

Be good to each other, my brothers, and I will see you all in August in Milwaukee.

City Walled,
Art