Joe, i found out today you passed away. i couldn’t believe it. I thought we had many more lunches ahead of us and many more laughs and talks about books and writers and writing. i thought i’d have a chance to read more of your stories. i’m so sad to have lost such a great friend and hope you’re reunited with dommie and enjoying a good walk together with hemingway and f scott.

Almost two years have passed and I still feel the need to call you on my ride home. I miss our conversations, discussions and arguments (the professional kind). The only consolation is that I know you are at peace, out of pain and learning to play the harp.