goodnight, jack

We last saw Jack at Christmas, at Florida with Sage. By then, the cancer had reduced him to a shadow of his former vigor but did nothing to diminish his sense of humor.

For the past few months, the disease spread, necessitating almost daily transfusions and, ultimately, an extended stay in the ICU.

He passed away at 10AM today. His final words were "I'm fading."

I got the phone call and broke down in tears. It is one thing to expect death, another thing to have it happen, so irrevocable, final and true.

Goodnight, Jack, and thank you for the wonder of your laughter, your insane wit, your unstinting generosity and indomitable spirit.

You will never fade.