Thank you all for thinking of me - we're truly a family here. I called my cousin first, then I read over some articles and messages at his site's forum. After that, the obvious thing to turn to was his music. I greatly appreciate all of your sympathies, but I know there were far better fans than myself. Thinking of my school friend makes me sad, because I wonder how he's taking the news...he lives and breathes Maynard's music, along with music from Arturo Sandoval and other trumpet/jazz masters.

I am so thankful that I was able to see MF perform live, and it really is amazing that I had that chance. Looking at the picture I have framed of me and him together...recalling that night where we (me, my cousin, and my friend) were exposed to a musical genius...I feel so lucky. At the time, we were very excited, of course, but thinking back on it now makes it seem so much more significant. I will always treasure that experience.

Read over the forum at the MF site, and you'll see just how big of an impact Maynard has had - so many people with so many stories of how they were introduced to his music, when they met him, their favorite songs, their concert experiences, and so on...all of these people's lives were touched by this one special man.

Even at 78, he was still performing and touring, with a spirit that showed no age. I think that people assumed he'd live forever, because he was so lively and vivid. His music was never a job to him - it was his passion. That's one thing that always stood out to me about him, in anything I read or heard about him...music was his love.

My heart goes out to his family and his dear friends that he became so close to throughout his career. May God bless them during this time, and may they always cherish the memories they have of him.

Maynard, thank you for all that you've done. For me, for your family and friends, for your band, for all of your fans, for everyone. You have a beautiful spirit, and I know that it will always live on in all of us. I can just imagine you dancing in those clouds, screeching out those high notes, and jamming with all of the angels on some swingin' tune. RIP, my friend.



Edit:

It "hit" me last night, I think. I wore the following picture on my ID badge at school (made ones for my cousin and friend, as well), and my cousin and I both wore our shirts from the concert.