Whoever said "only the good die young" must've met you at some point.



A politely quiet man with a giant sized heart.

Who took in, cared for and gave a home to foster children who were deemed "unplaceable". And didn't just, "raise" them - gave them a life worth living. One of holiday vacations and fishing cabins with friends. One who endured Spice Girls slumber parties of giggling girls, phone calls and all night talk of cute boys because it meant the world to them. And so it did to you.

Linds tells me of times you joined in and made them all laugh. Put on a wig or did a hoochie dance. A man with enough confidence to ham it up with the girls. A real man, through and through.

I'll never forget how you treated my daughter. That you did for her what I, at the time, was unable to do. Or the time, not long ago, that we saw that movie together and what you did for your own girl that day. A broken man on the edge of death, putting aside his pain and a brave face on to carry her up the stairs, despite the suffering it caused you afterward. It meant her dignity, so you found a way. I wish we could've found a way for you.....

The last time I saw you, just a few short weeks ago, I think I knew. But I didn't want to accept it, so I told myself that you'd be better. I recognized the sadness in your face, it was different and so unlike you. But, looking back, I think you probably had already resigned to the fact that "this was it". I know that plans were being made...it just came too soon. It just came. Damn it all.

Despite our optimistic "exchange", you probably knew. And maybe you came by for that one, last hug....I didn't give it to you because I was sick and trying to protect you. How ironic is that?

I'd love to have that last hug my friend. But it shall never be.

Rest in peace Vince. We shall truly miss your wonderful spirit....you were a good man. A very good man. And you were far too young to leave us, but we'll never forget you and I promise to live my life a little bit better...be a little kinder, in your honor. Yours are big shoes to fill my friend.

Too, too sad.

xo