One by one they're leaving me, the heroes of my youth"
-George Papavgeris (Mudcatter El Greco)

Grand song. It's on here someplace. Look it up. It's what was singing itself on my head yesterday. Honestly. Make of that what you will.

Kathy Westra wrote, "I would not be the person I am, nor know any of you." I can probably say the same, as Vaughn could have too. I called Caroline, as always having no bloody idea what to say and feeling tongue-tied. We probably talked for half an hour - laughing and crying - for so the memories came flooding back.

And the personal thing is, but also is not the point. The point is - as this thread continues to demonstrate - that so many of us, in our different ways, can say the same. The web that Sandy and Caroline wove - each in his/her own way (how wonderfully personal and quirky) - is simply staggering. It reaches beyond any and all of us, we know not how far. And in a world in which so many are so devoted to weaving evil (too often in the name of good), it may not be too much to say that theirs' is the web of the still, small voice. They've lived it, modelled it, made us believe in it too.

Rest in peace, dear old friend. You've earned it.

And to end as I began (with only a slight paraphrase), I just hope that I can play my part and be worthy of my friend.

- George