It was a heart-rendering experience seeing my old friend Hank in his final stages of lt life. Fortunately, he was at home, surrounded by friends and family. The phone rang constantly with calls from distant friends. I'll never forget what he said when I came in the door. "I'm so glad you're here. I just had to hang on until you got here."

We talked about the upcoming jam, the people that would be there and how we all wished he could join in the fun. He asked if I found that new boat yet, and said he would love to go fishing again.

After about 45 minutes the pain he battles daily was returning and it was time for his medications.

Gary