Dear Gene, what’s it like in the next phase? I imagine you’re taking a few minutes of eternity to read the wonderful memories and thoughtful words shared here. Your departure from this phase caught us all off guard, but you advanced quickly and I believe that’s the way to do it. I am excited for you and happy for you. And jealous that you’re now seeing what we all will see some day. While saddened that you’re no longer here, we all relish the wealth of memories we have and they are eternal. I want to recount three that always bring a smile to me and make me laugh when I remember them. SUMMER SANGRIA TWILIGHT found Tom Horner and I sitting with you and Jackie on the porch at your home, sipping sangria and talking about everything. The warmth of the setting sun was exceeded only by the warmth this memory of friendship brings to me. DISORGANIZED DINNER PARTY…and LUTEFISK was when Tom and I were invited to a dinner party by a friend at her historic farm in the Spring Mills area of Penns Valley. We were delighted when we arrived and found that you and Jackie were also guests for the evening. Our hostess was a dear woman who was also a bit disorganized. She had set up an assortment of beverages in her kitchen and you and I went to get some drinks for ourselves and for Jackie and Tom. Of course we lingered in pleasant conversation and first sips. Our hostess came into the kitchen to get more ice. Her freezer decided it would party too and when she opened the door half a dozen or more frozen food items spilled out onto the kitchen floor. I will never forget you and I looking at each other, sharing the mirth and absurdity of the attempted escape by the frozen food. Stifling our laughter we helped her retrieve her cold goods. The high point of the evening was the hilarity elicited when you and Jackie, in the manner of a tag team, delighted us all with the many places on planet Earth where you’d eaten Lutefisk. EYE TO EYE AT THE OPHTHALMOLOGIST happened on a warm spring day as Tom and I pulled into a parking spot at the doctor’s office and immediately you and Jackie pulled into the spot next to us. We got out of our cars to greetings and animated chatting which continued into the waiting room where few empty seats were to be found. You and Tom found a corner and sat down and talked about old houses and antiques. Jackie and I found two chairs nearby and talked and laughed about the many interests we shared. She was especially delighted by the wonderful and remarkable family the two of you created. Gene, we are all blessed and enriched by the gift of knowing you in this world. As you return to your cello, remember that E will always be F flat. We’ll see you again soon enough dear friend.