My dearest Chooch, A-Train, AB, Aaron,
I woke this morning to a stream of life meaningless. The skies were blue but I could not see the sun. My body ached, although I am healthy. I shivered though it was not cold. Voices sounded hollow, flowers not fragrant and music flat. My soul was filled with grief and rage.
And then I purposefully thought of your fluorescent being. The way you laughed. The way you spoke. The way you walked into a room with your divine rosy cheeks and at once brought serenity to all. The way you lived your life with fervor. The way you never judged. The way you loved to sit around a table and eat and drink wine with those loved by you. . The way you loved infinitely: Becky, John, Terry, Nathan, Claire, Bob, Shannie, Uncle, Bondo, Anna, Will, Kris, Jess, Lex, Carrie, Ian, Bryce, Erin, Sally, Vicky, Chappie, Doug, Aurea, Laura……..the ink would run dry long before I wrote the names of all you held close.
The way you reveled in music. The way you loved nature. The way you loved travel and embraced new people. The way you were fearless. The way you felt compassion. The way you raged against injustice. The way the light came from within you.
And then suddenly, I see the sun again. I hear vibrant music and voices astounding. The stream of life has meaning for me again – because of you.
I promise you to live life as you did. Full of promise, purpose, passion and peace. To bring to people what came so easily to you – love, compassion and serenity. I am so grateful to you for bringing life to life always.
I hereby take the liberty of dedicating the 2005 Vintage to you. May every glass of wine made by your dear friends bring your magic and love to all who sip from it. May the world continue to change as it did because of you.
I will mourn you, but above all I will celebrate you and your permanence in our lives. I will miss you my dear friend. You changed my life.
All my love,
Lizzy