Last weekend of July, 2004

[Scorptrio]

If there is anything going on Saturday night, let me know and I'd like to attend, because I won't be able to make it to 11th St. or after events tomorrow, July 30th. I'll be attending a memorial service in Asheville, NC. My godfather and first spiritual guru Ralph Gates passed into the next world on the afternoon of July 28th. He was a hard working, kind, gentle, intelligent and wise man and he will be missed. As a software engineer with NASA during the Apollo program, it was his programming code which helped the Lunar Lander take our astronauts to the moon's surface and back to the Command Module. Later he founded Friendswood Brooms and created hand-made brooms which have won awards and been featured in museums as the finest examples of modern Appalachian craft and art. After retirement he brought joy to countless children by playing a natural-beard Santa Clause every Christmas time. He and his late wife Sally helped countless troubled teens improve themselves by offering a safe and nurturing foster family environment for them to learn and grow. He taught me about the natural flow of the universe and its energies, how all things seek balance and about how what we do affects others and comes back to us. What I learned from him has prepared me in countless ways to face both life and death with composure. He told me that the secret to achieving anything was seeing clearly where you are, visualizing vividly where you want to be and finding the path between them by making a plan. I was 18 when I first met him and it's been 18 years since then and I love him just the same. Wherever you are, Ralph, you'll be missed but I know you'll be back to ride the wheel of life again. They say that you can pick your friends but not your family. I suppose that's true but sometimes, your family picks you. Here's to you, my godfather, friend and teacher.

[QueenOfTheFlock]

*big, big hugs*
I know I've already said it but I'm sorry.

[X]

Judas and I are gonna be breaking dirty rednecks bones in north georgia on saturday....could be fun.....

[Mistress Eve(L)]

I am so sorry about your loss Gregori. You will be in my thoughts

[Mother Mo]

Condolences, Gregori.

[Scorptrio]

Thank you very much for your kind words everyone. The memorial celebration was very touching. Everyone spoke of their affection for Ralph, his wise ways and gentle nature. The theme was "hawaiian shirt party" so everyone looked and acted as they were celebrating his life rather than mourning his death. When it's my time, may I be remembered so fondly. He really touched a lot of lives in very good ways.

So anyway... anything going on tonight? Kai and I are hanging out here and will come out to the city if there's something going on, so speak up!

[judas gnb]

Well after killing last night in Trion i thought about going and rock some mofos like a hurricane with some karoke action.But we all know most of you arent down for that.