the sounds of silence
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Things are hectic. My life seems to speed up around the holidays. I leave tomorrow for Gabe’s funeral and tonight I’m trying to get my thoughts together. It’s a time of transition for me and despite the loss of a good friend I feel a new since of hope for the year ahead.
Gabe was buried today on Long Island, alongside several of his family whose graves date back to the 18th century. The strangeness of his death and burial are fitting for his enigmatic life.
There are a lot of things going on in my life, but I don’t feel like I have any grasp of them. It’s in these times that I find it hardest to write. I won’t know how I feel, until these moments have past.
posted by 99 Blogger @ 1:28 AM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Marcus, I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. I'm praying for strength and peace for you and for Gabe's family.
Gabe Rice had that most infectious smile on the planet. You always hear about someone who can light up a room but seldom do you come into contact with somebody who really accomplishes it. Gabe did.
Gabe took me flying two years ago in Alexandria, LA. I have my headphones on and are sitting on the runway revving the engines. I’m listening to the technical chatter as Gabe chats with the tower and then turns to me, throws a thumbs up and says, “Let’s go bro.” We begin to accelerate down the runway when I notice that the end of the tarmac is coming quickly, Gabe turns to me and says, “Dude, if you don’t take this plane off we are going to end up in the water.” I freaked out and he laughed and showed me how to take off. I fell in love with flying from that day on. When I take to the skies I will always remember my friend Gabe. Rest easy buddy.
Jeremy Foster
I found your blog as I was searching the internet for more info about Gabes death, I have been on vacation for 2 weeks and news just got to me. I am truly shocked and saddened as are you, my condolences!
I met him sometime between '94-'95. It was in Port Angeles, Washington. He and his family were there for a brief time but it was very memorable. They moved to Alaska and we never heard from them again. We thought about them very often though and still do. Sorry about this loss. I know a lot of people will be affected by this news. God Bless.
Martha Oelschlager
There was a time in my life when Gabe was the smile I relied on! I met Gabe in 1995, we attended high school together in Homer, Alaska. We had many, many, crazy adventures. A few good thrills in the begining of his flight time! I remember when he got his drivers license, a year before me, and offered to be my ride to school in the mornings, this was generous, he had to drive about 10 miles in the opposite direction to come pick me up, so that we could joke our way to school each day. Gabe's values where contagous, the adolecent mishaps you might say we all go through, Gabe took in a smiling stride, he always knew how to have fun, while maintaining those strong values! When I heard of Smileys death it layed a heavy sash around my soul for the holidays, a time of reflection came later, and I know now that I am safe in my journey with those beautiful eyes watching out for all of our goodness. Gabe is an inspiration that has formed the way I live my life, and teach my children to live.
"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."
Thomas Paine (1737 - 1809)
Gabe you have always been a true friend... you are in my heart forever. ~Love Always, Lacy
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