Chris Quinn's Letter

Dear Brian,

If heaven is really wonderful, than I'm sure it has e-mail...or at least I'm hoping it does. One way or another, I pray you will get this letter.

I went to say good-bye to you tonight. It was magnificent. There must have been over 700 people there. We waited in line for hours! Waiting in line was nice because it gave us all a chance to talk to one another. We talked about tons of things, but only to keep our minds off... We did talk about you, though. You'd have liked it. All good memories. We laughed a lot. I have to admit, we poked fun at you a little...but I heard you giving it right back :-)

Your friends were amazing. Everyone came. That just shows the impact you had. You touched so many of us and I don't know that you even realized it. Sallie wasstoic. She loved you as much as anyone could. Seeing her was the first time I cried. I never was good with being able to shut down empathy. Pat, oh my gosh, Pat. He said he was joking around with you today, having fun hanging out with you. I'm sure you two had a great time. He is incredible. You're lucky to have him. Heorganized this thing beautifully, and did a wonderful job on you, I must say. You never looked better :-) (He says he even fixed your bald spot, though I doubt you'dadmit that.) Your parents and brothers were excellent. I was very near the end, as you know...and your mom was still hanging in there. I apologized because I waskeeping her up, but she was ok. Your dad spoke of how you loved what you were doing and how it's evident when someone is doing a job they love. Great people who loved you dearly.

I cannot begin to list all the wonderful memories I have of you. Some of my fondest will always be from Meistersingers. It was a lot of fun having advisory in theoffice, drinking our coffee. Our quartet was incredibly fun, and one of my favorite musical experiences ever. How many times did we play tape ball down there? Do you know I kept one of those? I have it in my collection of letters and things from high school. I still look at it and smile. I remember how much fun you, Andrea, Sallie, and I had at the shore after the prom. The weather was so bad, but we got movies, took walks, and still had a fun time together. Mostly, though, I remember the overall things. I remember your smile, warm and bright, always able to make my day better. And your laugh...so boisterous. Wonderful. I will miss it dearly.

I'm trying to come to terms with this. You know, I wasn't going to come to the reunion. As you know, I had to work the Homecoming game with the band. Mrs.Stoner came up to me as the game ended and told me I should go, even if it was only for the last hour. I am so glad I did. I am so glad I saw you. I would have regretted not going for the rest of my life. God it was great to see you. I was so proud of you. I was so proud of what you were doing. And the more people I have talked to since Sunday, the more I realize how well you really were doing and what a great path you were on. I know you would have been incredibly successful. You were a success. You are a success.

So often we have people that drift away from us, mostly because of changes in our lives. I know that happened, and I have to say that this makes me regret it. Who would have thought, though? There was all the time in the world. Older people always tell us life is short, but we never listen. Yours was far too short. I am sorry that I never got a chance to tell you all of these things.

Eric and I talked about singing Parting Blessing to you. He didn't think he could get through it. I think I might, but probably not. We thought, if we can't get through it at Christmas, how could we do it now? But I did play through it today. I had a meeting at the high school and I went in to the Meistersingers room after to play piano for a bit, and I played it. I also cried a little...looking at the coffee room, looking at the "Sun Certificate," knowing that you were the person who made the blinds happen...and installed them!! You always left a positive mark...always. I promise that at this year's service you will be in the thoughts and prayers of all of us. I hope you can join us on stage for the Hallelujah Chorus. By then, maybe we can sing you a proper Parting Blessing. One way or another, I am sure you will be there.

So this is it. There is a hole in my heart. Everything will be better soon. You will be at rest and definitely in a better place. What will remain here is a flood of positive memories and positive influences you have left. I know that is what I will cherish. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know you. I am thankful for all that you gave me. I have been blessed by having you as a friend. Take care, buddy.

Love,
Chris

Home Page
Any questions/problems with the website, please e-mail me.