The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.
Peter didn't do
portions. Peter gave himself so freely
in life, death certainly won't contain him.
He's right here.
We've lost someone very special. My heart hurts, and it's hard to breathe deeply, but just like Peter, the memories come right
in. One after another, capturing my attention, as Peter did simply by entering
a room. So many, many wonderful memories, and I smile, and even laugh. Just
like Peter, because of Peter, at Peter, but always with Peter.
The Watermans and
the Zanibonis have had many adventures, in many places, over many years. We've shared all the
occasions families can share: births, deaths, celebrations, holidays, vacations, and the damnedest
predicaments. Laughter touched every one (and shaped quite a few). Gifts, all, because Peter was there.
I posted a favorite
photo of Peter and Helene on FB last night, and someone who'd only recently met
Peter, saw it and wrote "Oh, that's my buddy!!!"
That sentiment
trailed in Peter's wake. Peter was fun, in the truest sense of the word, but
most importantly, he was there. Always. Right there, where he was invited or
needed, and every place and occasion was better because of it. It wasn't what
he did, but who he was.
Peter leaves a
terrible hole in our hearts, but the smiles he leaves are so much larger. With every one, Peter is here. Across space and time, right here.
Cin Cin, Peter. Go catch tomorrow.
