Saying goodbye to an old friend.

Tonight was the wake for my friend Clayton. The reality truly hit home when I saw him in the casket. Clayton is gone, he doesn't exist anymore...except in our memories. He was well loved...you couldn't help but like Clayton, he would do anything for you at the drop of a hat...no questions asked. The old crew didn't get around together as much as they did when we were younger, but when we did hang out...it was always a fun time. We were out on David and June's boat again this summer...Clayton and Graham were hillariously drunk. It was just good fun, we all got along so well. I knew Clayton from way back when I was in Grade three, he and Graham used to hang out all the time...and for some reason, I was totally fascinated by these guys. :) So, I started to follow them around...until the day Graham grabbed me by the wrists, swung me around in a circle and sent me head over heels into a snow bank. Ha! Little did I realize, years later...I would be hanging out with these guys all the time. So many great memories. I guess I was sixteen when we all started hanging out, and I eventually became an official member of 'The Crew'. We were a unique bunch back then...a bunch of crazy teens who didn't drink, we just drove around together and did crazy shit. Adulthood changed things, but we still had fun together.

I think my all time favorite memory of Clayton, is the night that 'Gowan'...yes, eighties rock star 'GOWAN', played at Myrons. Gowan was just wrapping up a gripping, solo rendition of "All the lovers in the world". He was milking it for every ounce of sap and sentiment that he could...like any master of performance would. He delivered the final line..."Alllllllllll, the lovers in..........the.........." HUGE DRAMATIC PAUSE....then we hear a single voice quiver out from the audience in a mock falsetto..."world!!!" The audience erupted in laughter...and Gowan was obviously devastated. His moment of passion...RUINED!!! lol I loved it. It made the show for me.

There are so many other times I can remember Clayton making me laugh. He was just that type of guy. There aren't many people you can honestly say..."they never pissed me off, or did anything cruel to hurt me", but Clayton is one of those rare friends. He was true to his word, true to himself, and a true friend.

He is going to be sorely missed. If the doctors had been more observant, he most certainly would not be dead right now. He was showing all the classic signs of Meningitis...I just don't understand why they didn't become at least a bit suspicious. I guess we can thank our decaying health care system.

Well, tomorrow is the funeral. Within a month, I have buried my father...and now a friend.

Do not think for a moment that my spirit has been dampened. It only makes life that much more beautiful to behold...and the memories I have of Clayton, will be treasured.

Goodnight.