ImReen was one of the first four people I met, way back that first time I entered the chatterbox. Her spontaneous acceptance, along with the others made me feel instantly at ease.

Believe me, that is rare. The other three who were there cemented that feeling. Now, two of them are gone.

Reen, you are missed, and grieved for by perhaps the most hard bitten member of the Chatterbox. I truly miss your wit, your charm, your ability to laugh, and your unique ability to make others laugh with you.

The world has lost two of the finest people I have ever met. In a very short time. I dedicate the following to them both. But, AJ will understand if he takes second place.

Good friends are the most precious thing God gave mankind.
Such people are there when you are in a bind.
They carry you forward, when you would be left behind.

They raise your spirits and make you laugh,
when all you want is to cry and maybe a little sigh.

True friends are more precious the gold.
Almost, even life itself, for to have lived without friends,
is never to have lived at all.

Now, two more have gone ahead, while we still struggle on.
Our way was made easier by knowing them, and the road ahead they clear for us.

Friendship means a loyalty that rises above even your worst faults. Goodbye, for now, my friends. I will be coming your way soon.

I stand and salute your lives as the sun sets, and I arise grumbling until I remember
you. Then I know that nothing in this life is truly bad, for I have known you.

To Irene's family, my special thanks for sharing her with me.

To AJ's family, I am an unworthy successor and cannot fill his shoes. No one can, my sincerest wishes for your continued well being.

I believe noone is truely gone until they are forgotten. Some are never forgotten. Your loved ones, rank with those.

Tomcat.