My fond heart is breaking.

[tedwords]

My friend Bob passed away this afternoon.

Thankfully, I was able to see him that one last time, Saturday afternoon. When Ashes and Annie wanted to visit.

I can still see him there. Spread across on the couch, restlessly moving about. Eyes fluttering closed, then open. Country guitar music filling the room. Every so often he'd reach out his arms and start playing air guitar. A lazy smile on his face. Always trying to entertain, to keep our spirits lifted.
One song that played that day fits my mood perfectly right now:

"From this valley they say you are going,
We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile,
For they say you are taking the sunshine
Which has brightened our pathways a while.
Won't you think of the valley you're leaving,
Oh, how lonely and sad it will be,
Just think of the fond heart you're breaking,
And the grief you are causing to me?"

I was glad to be able to sit by your side one last time, Bob. To hug you and have you say goodbye. You were truly one of a kind, and I know you're up there with Sandy and the Lees and all our other friends from Fufolatia, looking over us for eternity.
Happy trails, pardner. The shadow you cast in this Red River Valley looms large and will never be forgotten.