There isn't much I can say about you that others haven't already said. I know a lot of words, but I can't think of any that do you any justice. Saying things like you were warm, funny, caring, blah, blah, blah, just fall flat. Everyone you met was your friend and you didn't know a stranger. One thing I do know is that you left us too soon. For those of us that knew you are hurting deeper than we ever have because we know exactly what the world is missing now. I can't even imagine the size of the hole in Leslie's heart. It isn't very often that you get to see a great love story play out in real life and you two were the real thing.
The first time I met you, there was someone standing by us that had a camera in his hand and you insisted that he take our picture. I don't even know if you even knew that guy. After getting to know you better, it makes sense that some random guy has a picture of us. Anytime we were at the same place, I knew that it was going to one of the funnest times ever. You were such a wacky goofball. But you weren't just fun and games. You were very serious about helping anyone that needed it. You didn't have to know a person to give them the shirt off your back. When someone was down, you picked them up. And you really gave a shit about the world we lived in. And you weren't afraid to do something about it.
I was reading your blog shortly after Rumsfeld committed one of his many outrageous acts and you were saying that the letter you had written him would probably land you in Gitmo. I had happened to send him a letter about the same thing. When I told you that I would probably be seeing you at Gitmo, you responded that you couldn't wait to see me there. I think the only people that aren't going to miss you are those certain people you sent frequent emails to telling them exactly what a crappy job they are doing. I am going to try and pick up the slack for you.
On the back of the program at your memorial service there is a list of things that you would want people to do in your memory: plant a tree, vote, tell your family and friends you love them, write a letter to a newspaper about something you care about, laugh, write a song, start a blog, adopt a pet, do a silly dance, open your door to strangers and friends alike, open your heart to the world, believe you can make a difference, make a difference, smile often, adopt a foster child, draw a picture, pray to the god of your choice, stand up to injustices, donate to Raven Rance-Riley's college fund, throw a party, and love, love, love.
This list is a very short list of the things that you actually did during your short life. You walked the walk and the rest of us are going to be lucky to truly master half of the things on this list in our lifetime.
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3 comments:
That's a great tribute, Pineapple. Very sorry for your loss.
I don't think he ever shook my hand....always lead with a huge hug and equally large smile.
Thank you for your words...they hurt and help at the same time.
my heart hurts. damon was a true hero.
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