I lit a candle for you today at the Mary shrine at my church. Don't know if that has any significance for you, but I hope at least that the gesture means something. I realize, too late now, that I missed my chance to get to know you half as well as I could have. I do know that your presence was a distinct one in our new home, and that there will always be an empty chair in the dining hall reminding me of the fact that you ought to be sitting there. But then again, you really are still around, aren't you? I've seen you around since that night, in people's faces as they've smiled or in the morning sun rising up over campus. I do miss the crazy skirts and those rainbow-striped stockings, though.

So here's to you, Ryan, wherever you may be. I look forward to meeting you again, however and whenever that happens, and until then, know that I'm thinking about you, and I'm grateful to have known you in this life and in this world, even as little as I have.

Be at peace.

P.S. I learned to play "The Rainbow Connection" on the guitar the other day. Thought you'd approve.