I dedicate this "letter" to a dear friend of mine, Ricky Sunico, who recently passed away (last night). Warning...I joke a bit in this letter and I hope it won't offend anyone. Thanks.

Dear Ricky,

How's it going? How's life? Ah, the pun. You know, remembering the years that I've known you, there was never a meeting when you didn't try to kick my ass, call me names, or attempt to sit on me (enter the lapdance of death :P). I will eternally remember the various ways you'd make fun of my "hot old guys", and I will never forget the countless times you've poked me on my sides so hard, they actually hurt :P. Still, I know you did all that because we were cool. And I will miss it all now that you're gone.

Man, how will we cosplay Monty Python's Spanish Inquisition now? Me and Paul will have to look for a new Biggles :(. I knew I should have gotten all the MP ringtones from your phone the last time we met (and that was just a few days ago! Sheesh!). Also, thanks for taking me to watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Awesome film. You had the hots for Kate Winslet :P. And I kinda had the hots for Tom Wilkinson :P. Now I'll remember you whenever I see that film @.@.

You lived a great life, dude! 48 excellent years! You had awesome friends, a GREAT girlfriend (Love ya, Reitch!), the New Worlds Alliance loved you, outstanding kids, and lots of accomplishments. One heckuva life. Something to be proud of.

Btw, who's going to tell me that I look better with a mask on, now that you have sailed away to the West (LotR Bilbo style)? Will definitely miss your ginormous presence this Saturday's moot. *Sigh*...Too bad you weren't able to see me with my fiancee. You always thought I'd "tone down" my "perversion" if I were with him. Guess what? I'll always be a manyak! Mwahahah!

Thanks for everything, Ricky!
I'll never forget the man and the fun!
I'll see ya' when I see ya', bossing! Mwash!

Bastos forever,
Gabe

PS: Just in case you don't remember, your last text message to me was: "Hi r u going to yale l8er? We have burgers so bring vegies"...Later on in the Yale party, you and Ron sat on me :P! Gads, you heavy men!

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life!

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin - give the audience a grin
Enjoy it - it's your last chance anyhow.

So always look on the bright side of death
Just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true.
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.