Another story is told

My friend has passed.

I can't say much at the moment because I'm kind of reeling.  Wrapping my head around a world without him in it is something I'm not at all ready to do.  I can't begin to imagine what the silence of this night is like for his wife, who thought they'd grow old together.  I've spoken to his mother, who is unimaginably heartbroken.

I just keep thinking of the line from James Taylor's Fire and Rain:
"...But I always thought that I'd see you again...."  I took that for granted, and I do regret it.

For now, this is all I can say:

This is my friend.

This is my friend a month ago, on the cover of smbNation magazine, as one of their top 150 influencers.

He passed away this evening, from cancer.  His wife and younger brother were beside him.  He was 44.

I promise to remember, my friend.  And I promise to smile and laugh, but I can't promise to not cry when I miss you.  

I will tell the stories, and keep them - and you - alive.