Has it really been two years, Robert?  It doesn’t seem like much time at all, and yet, so much has happened–things that I had never expected, and things that I couldn’t have done without keeping you in my heart.

The biggest one was moving out–leaving the town (heck, the state) that I’d known as home for all my life.  It was a terrifying prospect–but one that I was able to follow through on because I knew you had done the same thing once (and you had a longer road trip than I had).  And if you could do it, so could I.

And so I did.  It’s been a mixed year of ups and downs, but I branched out and explored new places.  And I had adventures–one of which was going to your hometown of Ridgefield with @ksturf, walking the streets you walked, and finding the memorial bench that was dedicated to you.  We left a flower there–a rose, naturally.  And I took one petal back with me, which I still have.

In a few months, my time here in Central NY will be wrapping up, and I don’t know what lies ahead–back to PA?  To places unknown?  Whatever it may be, I will go forward with the same courage that you always showed.

So, yes.  Two years.  And, even after going to the memorial bench, I still refuse to say “good-bye,” because, more than ever, I see that you are still a shining light in this world–one that is sorely needed.

Thank you, Robert, for being my hero and my light.

[11/22/32 – ∞]