I just found out Tuesday night that my best friend, Tim, had died beween Friday night ande Saturday afternoon. His brother walked into Tim's apartment to find him lying face down on the floor.

There will be a small graveside service Friday at Mt. Hope cemetary in Ashland, Tim didn't want a big, fancy funeral. I can't go because my wife is working and this is too short a notice for her to get someone to fill in her hours.

Tim was like my right hand - I can't imagine what I'd do without it, and it's vital to me. I feel like a large part of me died when I found out. Tim, you will be sorely missed, my friend.

He had this knack of always being able to make me smile, no matter what, and I equally influenced his life - having hand-held him through his divorce. The one thing he wouldn't want me to do is grieve, but I can't help it... my friend and companion is gone from me, and we'll never again drive the phone bill upwards of $200/month just by talking or sharing our lives again.

Good bye, my best friend. May your journey from earth take you to heaven, and may you make peace with those there.