Winding Down, Warming Up

Things are finally starting to quiet down, for the most part. The Spring semester is finally closing, as most of the schools are done with finals and readying their commencement ceremonies. At the same time, however, the Council is starting to heat things up with preparations for this summer's Convention in Milwaukee. Believe it or not, this is one of our busiest times of the year.

No doubt, though, our convention steward, Wayne Palmer-Ball, is by far busier still. I don't plan on turning this blog into an advertisement for this event, mind you, but if you need details, you can find them here: www.adgconvention.com. I will say that you really should book your room now, even if you are not 100% certain you will be going. With the Irish Festival in town that week (yes, we shall be going), rooms are at a premium, except under our block. You'll have 48 hours to cancel, if necessary, so don't worry about that. Better to have it, though, than to scramble at the last minute for a place to stay (or crash).

I will also say that if you have never been, you need only ask someone who has to realize the impact one convention can have. I don't know about those of you who have gone, but I find it incredibly difficult to put into words. Often, though, I will equate it to a family reunion, only without a bunch of people you secretly don't like. Heh... little joke, sorry. Seriously, though, if you really want to see the 'world of men around us,' then look no further than Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 11-16.

So, keep us in mind throughout your summer break. For those of you graduating this semester, congratulations and best of luck in your future endeavors! Keep ADG with you always, as we are a fraternity for life, not just an undergraduate club. To those who are returning in the Fall, enjoy the time off, stay safe and healthy this summer, and get ready for another splendid semester in September!

Remember, we never stop being Alphadelts. We are not just parts in smaller regions, but members of a much larger whole. We answer, not only to our chapter and one another, but to ourselves. Are you prepared for the question? City Walled, brothers, and I hope to see all of you this summer in Miller-town!

Ad Dei Gloriam

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