When Sheep Cannot Sleep

My best friend and cousin Reuben passed away this weekend. It was not a phonecall I expected or ever wanted to receive. The distance has made it harder for me but at least I can share my thoughts through this. Thank you to everyone who called/emailed/messaged me. It was wonderful to see how many lives Reuben had touched with his humor, music and zest for life.

I remember playing hide-and-seek at Amachi’s place. I remember arguing about balloons at birthday parties and shooting cap guns at each other. I remember staying up all night goofing around. I remember water balloons and squirt guns.

I remember skipping school to go jamming. I remember us watching a Green Day concert video everyday for a month, then going to the studio and jumping around so we be like them. I remember teaching you how to play guitar. I remember you playing the drums and djmbe.

I remember going skating everyday. I remember the scar you got when we bailed going down the hill near my house. I remember you helping me drive home when I broke my wrist. I remember ollieing into pools and off kiddie-slides. I remember skating down the street so you could get a glimpse of Sharm…you were meant for each other!

I remember playing football and futsal. I remember you meeting Beth and making her feel welcome and loved. I remember all our friends gathered around you to see your latest tattoo or piercing.

I will remember forever…thank you for being a friend. Every minute spent with you was a minute I cherished. I will miss your laugh. I will miss your jokes and insane ideas. I will miss looking forward to seeing you when I go home…

I regret that we couldn’t spend more time together because I am studying in Indy. An email every one/two weeks does not seem like enough now. I regret not saying "I love you" and "I miss you" the last time we talked. You know how I felt about you. You are my blood…my brother. You will be missed and remembered forever.

We should celebrate his life whatever way we can. My humble contribution for now are these pictures. Please feel free to send me some if you want them posted or even take them to post on your blog/site.

Also, I would like to share this song, "Hear You Me" by Jimmy Eat World with everyone, in memory of our friend.

There’s no one in town I know
You gave us some place to go
I never said thank you for that
I thought I might get one more chance

So what would you think of me now?
So lucky, so strong, so proud
I never said thank you for that
Now I’ll never have a chance

May angels lead you in
Hear you me my friends
On sleepless roads the sleepless go
May angels lead you in

And if you were with me tonight
I’d sing to you just one more time
A song for a heart so big
God wouldn’t let it live

May angels lead you in
Hear you me my friends
On sleepless roads the sleepless go
May angels lead you in.

P.s. Please visit Aaron’s blog at http://everblur.tblog.com. Aaron was Reuben’s best friend and he would appreciate it if you pay your repects to our brother there.

I am a procrastinator and a lazy ass, so instead of stealing some shit and posting it here (and then claiming I wrote it like some other blogs -you know who you are) I am giving you the link.

Read and obey:Rules for Audiences of Rock

Later. I’m getting a visit from Zak soon. And college starts soon too. Then I’ll probably have some real material for you. So just be patient and you will get your reward(s).