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01-10-2001
Dear Geoffrey,
When I first heard of your death my dear friend, I went into complete
shock! How could this man, whom to me seemed unharmable, just be gone in
a second flat? It wasn't fair; you weren't supposed to go so soon! But
amidst my tears and sorrow, I began to realize how much of you I still
had inside me, and how, even though you aren't physically here with us
tonight, you will always be with me. And with anyone with whom you've
 ever crossed paths with or ever knew.
I have so many wonderful memories of you, where do I start? I can still
remember the first time I visited your cabin, I think I was about 4. I
was in heaven! With the creek, the birds, the trees, the homemade
tortillas; it was a little girl's fantasy! Remember how you tried to get
me to eat one of your numerous garlic sandwiches? Or how many bowls of
beans I had in one day? To me, you were amazing! You knew something
about everything I wanted to know. You had an answer for every question,
and a reason for every answer. I admire you Geoffrey, and I will never
forget the things you taught me, they mean the world to me. Remember
when you taught me the owl song as we walked hand-in-hand along Sonoita
Creek? How I wish I could remember the words, but they seem to have
escaped me. Do you remember the words? I still try and whistle my S's
like you did whenever you read your poems or told one of you many
exciting stories. I just can't get it right! The next time we meet,
you'll have to teach me! See, it's these memories I still have, that I
will cherish. They remind me everyday that you are never really gone;
you're just not here with us physically every day. You have helped me to
view the world in an open-minded way, and see the beauty in all things.
I want to follow in your footsteps Geoffrey, you were able to experience
things that no one else ever did, and see things in a way that no one
else could see. Some people wonder how you lived without lights, phones,
or even a computer, I wonder why I can't. From you I learned to
appreciate Nature, and spell it with a capitol N, treat the Earth with
the utmost respect, and most of all from you I learned I had a true
Friend. (That's spelled with a capitol F!)
Lastly, I want to thank you for bringing such joy to my family and I.
Thank you for teaching me the beauty of poetry and journal writing, a
way of expressing myself I have come to love, and for helping my family
see it too. I think your wisdom and praise helped us through the rocky
creeks we all have faced, I certainly know you helped me swim! And
thanks you for being you. Without you I would be lost, and a lot less
intelligent!
And tonight my friend, as you dance within your beloved Verde River, I
hope you'll always know, I love you, I miss you, but no matter what, I
will never forget you!
T.T.F.N., for someday we'll meet again!
All my love,
Emily Cooper
03-26-2001, Used by permission. |
