Shifting into Nightmare

Are you sure this isn't some terrible dream?

Why can't I wake up?

I was never good at mourning

I was never good at death

Willie, Willie Lovin, you were one of the best

The world got a little dimmer the day you left

Just as the world got a little brighter the day you were born

I know you would not want us to mourn

So I wish to celebrate your life

I only knew you a short time

But I will remember you for the rest of my life

I've never see somebody drink so much diet coke

You loved to drink and laugh and joke

You loved your old Chevy trucks and how they rarely got stuck

You loved snowboarding

Talked of how it provided escape from the cold winter blues

You loved loading up the kayaks for a float down the Narrows

Everywhere was an adventure with you

You loved making cheese roll-ups on your little red grill and going for long drives through Idaho's forgotten trails

I remember cruising the back country, never in a hurry, because to you, everywhere was home

You loved your dog Tank and I imagine you two together again

Smiling down from heaven or wherever you went

You always took care of your friends and family, packing enough for three just to be sure everyone had plenty

I remember nights crammed into your carport and scattered across the lawn

Laughing and singing and dancing the night into dawn

How you couldn't sing for anything, but always did to your favorite songs

I'll always think of you when I hear that one by Blue October

You taught me more about self-love and forgiveness than I could ever ask for

You taught me the balance between kindness and ignorance

You showed me how to be weak and you gave me strength

I love you Willie Lovin and I always have

I will miss you now that you've gone

As will so many others

Because of knowing you, we are all better off

Thank you Willie, for the good times and the memories you provided all of us

Oh and for that "welcome home" hug