Dear Alan,
This thread was bumped by someone else, but dammit, I miss you right now. I miss the dialogue and the ideas bouncing around. I miss your guidance and your brutal honesty. Never once did you steer me wrong. You taught me a lot about perspective by both words and deeds. I know that in the great thereafter, whatever it may or may not be, that I can carry out what you told me you wanted without subjecting myself to baser emotions and actions.
I continue to respect and admire you not for your wealth, but for your ability to voice dissent without attacking. I feel a void right now, and if you're capable of watching over me -- please help me to see that 10 years from now, the difference I make now will be something of which I am proud.
Say hi to my mom from me if you can.
Yours sincerely,
Mariposa