For Rob...........

I rarely get involved, offline, with anyone I meet online.

Rob was different.

His spirit was so indomitable, his zest for life so contagious.

I sent him a lovely nativity for Christmas last year, after exchanging e-mails and finding he loved them, but I never gave in to the pressure to send him cookies.  Just didn't seem right to send sugar-laden goodies to a diabetic....no matter how much he loved them.

Anyway, when I heard of his passing this morning I'll admit I shed a tear.

I'll miss his unique perspectives, his affection for his cat, and his immense capacity to love people - despite his hard knocks.

Godspeed, and sleep sweetly, dear Rob.

Do not stand at my grave and weep;

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

                                                 - Mary Frye