Early March, the year 2012, I sat down at my desk, took a sip of coffee and clicked the shortcut for Neptunus Lex. It was the way I started every day.
A cup of good coffee and reading the thoughts and observations of a man I deeply respected.
But this day was different. The coffee was set aside as I stared at my computer screen...
This cannot be.
Lex was no more.
And so on this day, the anniversary of his passing, I post in tribute to him. To those like him and to those he left behind. Especially his family.
Until we meet again Lex...
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
John Gillespie Magee, Jr
I salute, from England, but I salute, due West.
ReplyDeleteI join you in that salute.
DeleteI swear to all that is good, two years ago my day started the same way. Devastating news.....
ReplyDeleteNice tribute Sarge. That last photo made me smile....I remember all the crap Lex got about the "readers" front & center in the frame. He was one of the good ones...
Oh my word. I have looked at that photo so many times, and never noticed those. (Perhaps I should have put my own readers on!)
DeleteI will never forget that day, ever. One of my co-workers (team lead actually) asked me "What's wrong? You're so quiet today." After I explained the situation, she pretty much left me alone the rest of the day. She somehow, instinctively understood what Lex had meant to me. A great lady she was.
Thanks Rumbear. He most certainly was "one of the good ones".
He was one of the good ones, and - with his passing - we are diminished.
ReplyDeleteI know, in my heart of hearts, that we'll get to see him again.
DeleteBut yes, diminished we are.
I pray he is enjoying his reward in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
DeleteLex was a good man we all miss. He was more than a gem, he was unique.
ReplyDeleteI fear we'll not see his like again. More is the pity.
DeleteHardly a day goes by..
ReplyDeleteSame here Virgil...
DeleteWell said, and he is STILL missed every day... RIP Lex!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cajun, I'll never forget him.
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