The Last Day of Summer: July 18th, 2006

I've finally set my mind to doing this entry. I can't do more until this one is finished. For the time being, expect no eloquence. And in trying to express my wish to cut to the point (is that even the correct idiom: get to the point/cut to the chase?) I've avoided cutting to the point. On July 18th, 2006, my best friend passed away. He was actually more than a best friend. I don't know what that word might be, but he was it. We met in second grade (this year we'd be in about 28th grade) and from then on were inexplicably linked. There wasn't one weekend that passed from elementary to college that we weren't at the other's house. In the case of college, it was easier- we were roommates. Anyway, nothing I can say in this blog will express the loss in my mind and heart. I'd just like to put up a few pictures with a few comments, maybe.

Jeremy really liked this picture. I don't know who took it or where they were.

This picture was taken at a birthday party for his daughter during one of her early visits to Houston (She's much older now).

The next few pictures were taken during what was one of the best summers of my life.

Friday night, I would drive to Tulsa and we'd hit the single scene. We'd get up Saturday and go bouldering. Saturday night, "...on the rocks." Sunday morning, we'd be on the rocks. We were in our late twenties and holding on to them as tight as we could.

Before I go, let me tell you about a couple of dreams I had. They both left me feeling better. In Japan, in the late summer (the season that just passed), every neighborhood has a festival. It was/is believed that the spirits of the ancestors come back to visit. At night, a stage is decorated and festive music is played. Attendees dress in summer kimonos and there are special dances performed on the stage and in a circle around it. I dreamed Jeremy was at one of these parties and just dancing away. I woke with a nice feeling.

Just last night (and perhaps the impetus for this entry), I dreamed I was at a reception for Jeremy's funeral. We were all standing around (friends and family) when Jeremy showed up. Nobody was surprised and it was almost like it was a scheduled visit. He made his rounds hugging people and saying goodbye. Lastly he hugged his family and myself. He told us all not to worry and that he was happy and doing ok. I held back my tears while he was there and wished him well. We had a final embrace and a "Take care, see ya later, man." With a final look around the room he just vanished.

Well, that's all. That's all I have to say in this medium. I'll have an actual essay in the days to come. Anybody that would like to read it (when it's available), please leave me a comment and I'll make sure you get a chance.

And please, leave a comment. Especially, if you knew him.

The top of Mt. Fuji- One of Jeremy's final resting places.

Update: A few more pictures have surfaced.

Pirates of Ft. Gibson Lake

with Melissa

Before/After Jeremy's wedding

LEFT: With Jeremy and Phil, before we headed off to an apartment we shared. RIGHT: One year later