It is our happiness to have found our way along, grow and became better people through knowing Gene.
May we all rest in the miracle of our friendship and love with him.
Soothed. Warmed. Brilliantly touched by a man that offered us beautiful music, humor, kindness, adventures and often simply his time.
From now until beyond Heaven he shall decorate our souls with riches from treasures he provided us in our memories.
His time here with us all — sadly — too short. But we each benefited so greatly from our connection with this man.
We are more creative – because of Gene.
We have more laughter – because of Gene.
We have been given more opportunity
We have more compassion
We have more love and more happiness.
We have learned so much and received so many gifts from this curious, kind soul.
But now – deep sorrow. For we stand here with the knowledge that these moments have ended much too soon. The giver of gifts has left us to go home.
What can you say? The impossible happens.
And so – we are in a time of reflection, reassessment and consideration of time spent.
And we wonder.
And to that end perhaps we may honor Gene by sharing with those among us now the special qualities that he extended to each of us so often.
Laugh readily along with someone trying to be funny.
Listen to those that are quiet.
Be of encouragement to those that lack confidence.
Talk first to ones that seem shy.
Be accepting of those that are peculiar.
Notice those that are in need of attention.
Whatever role Gene once played in your life — a son, a brother, a best friend, a lover, husband, grandson, husband, partner, artist, singer, songwriter or producer. Take what you learned from him and use it to better love yourself and better serve and benefit the people that are in and continue to come into your lives.
Perhaps this is how we may remember and honor Gene – our dear sweet spirit.
I loved him so much.
He was my friend.
dmichaels 3/23/00
