Saying farewell to a friend

[ellid]

I got off early from work for a dentist's appointment, and finished early enough that I was able to drive to Quincy for my friend Doug's memorial/visitation. Many of the old gang were there, and I found that one is here on LJ. I chatted with them, caught up a bit, and reminisced, then grabbed a sandwich at the local Panera with Walter before heading home.

It's good to see my old friends and find out what's been going on, but dear God, why did it take this long? I wish we'd gotten together for any reason but this one.

Comments

[tena524.livejournal.com]

Sorry I didn't hear about the memorial until now. Who else was there?

I've heard the similar sentiments at various funerals over the years. In fact, my grandfather's funeral was the impetus for an annual family reunion, now in it's second decade.

How's about starting a 'old friends reunion'? An annual cookout or something?

[lherelenfeline.livejournal.com]

[hugs]

[ellid.livejournal.com]

Christine and her husband, Joe and Kathy, me, Walter, several other old UMass-Boston types, Doug's partner Pat, Tim, and probably some others after I left. Didn't see my ex or his wife, and frankly wasn't expecting to since he seems to have cut himself off completely from the old gang.

[ellid.livejournal.com]

Thanks, hon. I appreciate it.

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

It's a weird thing that memorial services and the like are a good way to catch up with people. I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

[tena524.livejournal.com]

I don't know if anyone was able to reach Bob, not that anyone I spoke to seemed to be trying too hard. I don't even know anyone in current contact with him. I suppose he's aware of Doug's death if he was still reading your blog, prior to the recent friends-only lock.

I asked another friend (John Regan) to pass the word about Doug to Evan, but wasn't about to contact him myself. John sees E. once in a blue moon at the MIT gamers group, where John says he's a regular attendee, oddly enough. You'd think anyone bright enough to get into MIT would see through E. in a NY minute, but apparently not.