Next week is Christmas and then your 35th birthday, or what now is the 35th anniversary of your birth.  And what  birth it was.   All 10 lbs. 1 oz. , 23 1/2″. You were some baby! Someone mentioned on your obituary guestbook that she remembered you as the most beautiful baby she had ever seen.  Who am I to argue?  Now it seems almost everyone remembers you for your smile.  You smiled with your whole face, and you smiled a lot.  I will miss that the most, seeing you smile.

We’ve been dismantling your home, your life, bit by bit.  What a few short weeks ago belonged to you, was used by you, enjoyed by you, we now distribute among the family for safe keeping.  Maybe someday it will be used by us and enjoyed by us.  But for now, we’ll just keep what was precious to you near to us.

The world knew you as brilliant and capable, driven to succeed, the go-to guy for anything involving technology.  You charmed many and were loved by many more.  And yet I always felt you were so vulnerable, so capable of being hurt.  From the beginning you touched a place in my soul that could make me cry and not know why.

I was with you when you entered this world and with you when you left.  And both times I sensed your strength.  Now your ashes sit on my desk.  I know it is not you, only the physical remains of what was your body.  I know your magnificent soul, your essence and your energy still exist.  Someday I’d like to feel that energy again and catch a glimpse of your soul.  I would consider that the greatest gift possible.

At the bottom of the well, one can look up and see the sky.