Cowboys, Clowns and Matching Floral Bikini Ensembles!

I entered the room with strength, leaving the intrusive noise of all else at the door. My gaze automatically followed my spirit toward the fighting form of my friend. And I sought permission with my eyes from the grey shadows of her pained and hurting siblings. Stepping forward I reached for your hand. "I am here, my sweet darling friend. I am here. As are the angels - our angels!".

I reached down and gently lifted the magic crystal orb from its protection. And I placed it between our two hands. We were again, joined. All the morbid reality dissolved in favor of the celebration of times spent (quite simply) "over" enjoying life to its full! It was your life, my dear friend, and I knew that you didn't want to live forever; you just wanted to live while you were alive!

As I have told you before, you have a most beautiful intellect. One that, on many occasions, left onlookers or listeners baffled. You see I don't believe any of them expected you to override their bland stupidity so artfully, and with so many words. I think most were eternally engaged by your words of wit and your insatiable desire to "entertain"!

I also adored your abilities across the Chess Board. Just how often did it leave over-inflated testosterone prostrate? With eyes bulging - red with the annoyance of rage. And how delightful it was to know that most of them had to hold their reactions in abeyance lest onlookers saw their distress.

And you loved your Cowboys, didn't you! Your pink stetson and boots complimented your rodeo spirit. Up on the back of life's bucking bronco you were .. holding on with one hand, while the other flew high in the sky!

And where are your Clowns? Send in the Clowns. Yes, you loved your Clowns. Don't worry, they're here!

And I talked to the Old Man of Long Beach Island and his Soft Sand Mistress who asked me to personally convey to you a Lifetime Achievement Award for the best-ever series of matching floral bikini ensembles! Worn consistently over the past 20 years - forever the envy of the New Jersey girls - you are an icon! And I expect to see you on the Beach at Midnight this year.

The following words are for you, as you stood your ground, Helen Kelly O'Connor you did not back down! Tomorrow just got harder, we all made mistakes, And Luck wasn't kind, so you made your own breaks And you loved your red roses and fairies and things, And you believed that all Angels had white feathered wings. You danced in the moonlight more often than not, Living so dangerously, sometimes you forgot. But your legacy lies in the boys that you raised You pulled them through childhood, and I stand amazed.

Look at them now Kel, they survived despite all, And they're running through life, spirits standing tall! And I give you my word, that as long as I'm here, I'll watch over them, and they need never fear. On behalf of my children - they promise this too, We're here when they need us - our promise to you. So now Ron's Alumni are waiting above and your shift has been called to serve cocktails, with love, I'll follow you up there, but "not yet" - I'll just say, Nice talking to you, Kel - And send blessings our way!