Today a most formidable man
passed away.
The most formidable.
Why is everything
so merciless?
Why are we endowed with
such tremendous capacity
for grief?
Why are the most ecstatic feelings
so deeply intertwined with
heartbreak?
How can one man
be this important?
To so many.
To you.
And to someone
as barren as me.
If I add up the total amount
of hours
that we actually spent together
I will hardly get to 20.
But from the first instant
I knew.
And the next hours
only confirmed it.
I had been touched
by an energy beyond the range of others.
One of those very few people
in a generation
capable of transcending
the barriers
the prejudice
the pettiness
of us humans.
Someone you instantly trust
with your life.
Someone you instantly share
your weakness with
knowing you will not be betrayed.
Someone who captures
the essence of life, love and togetherness
better than most.
Someone that has felt
the way we are all connected
and interdependent
for his entire life.
To whom it was the most natural
of feelings.
Who could make
and help you
forgive yourself.
And make you feel like
you truly want to change
the somber thoughts you carry.
You have loosened the roots
of my bitterness.
And have given me the strength
to pull them.
One day at a time.
But steadfast.
What stronger beacon
can anyone wish for?
But the one that emanates
from the heart and soul of a laughter
like yours.
I will miss the hugs from a man
that had enough love to inspire us all.
To bring us closer together.
And to show us a true spirituality
that is only seen in those that understand
the underlying balance.
Far, far greater than any word or gesture
or life.
We are all eternal
but some lead the way.
It's great to see you, Terry.
Without the delay of time zones.
Without the distance of continents.
Without any obstacles.