A Tribute to Malcolm "By your words, you shall be known" ..it seems that one phrase keeps running through my head, probably because they were ones that you stood by faithfully. It's almost impossible to put into mere words what you meant to me---to all of us and the loss we feel at your leaving us, so instead I will examine some of your "words" to help me along. By your words, you taught me how to strive to do my best; you always made it clear that you would not accept anything less from me--- or anyone else for that matter; second-best just wouldn't do. Many were the times that I felt daunted by a particular challenge, and thinking of you, would delve down just a little deeper and face it head-on; more times than not getting done what I had set out to do. You were such an inspiration to me; I never told you that, but I have the sneaking suspicion that you knew anyway. By your words, you gave me the strength to break down many of the walls that i had kept built up inside of me for so very long. You truly were an inspiration on that score; your forthright honesty and openess about your feelings made one open up to you, even when they had not intended to do so. I am a very reserved person by nature; you saw a side of me that not many people get to see. I shall miss that so much about you. By your words, you let me know that it was perfectly allright to dream; even if others might scoff at those very same dreams. You showed me that nothing was impossible if you wanted it badly enough; and how important it was to sometimes leave caution to the wind and not let fear hold you back. I will always remember that talk we had about rainbows, and will never see another one without thinking of you. By your words, you were such an example of what love could be...no one could ever speak to you and tika without hearing in your voices what you meant to each other. You probably never knew this, but the two of you are one of the main reasons that I am married to the man I am with today. Having come out of a very bad situation, I was hesitant about giving my heart to another so completely, but only had to think of the two of you and knew that I wanted the chance to have that kind of happiness for myself. I am so happy that I did indeed take that chance. By your words, you made me see that a person didn't need to be a particular size to be beautiful. We had many talks of how I struggled daily with that, and once again, the kindness you showed me will never be forgotten. You let me see that it's what is inside a person that counts most of all..not some pre-conceived notion of how one "should" look. Yet, you also fostered in me a determination to take the steps I need to correct my problem; both for health and personal reasons. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me through those really difficult times. Of course, that shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who knows you..that was just your way..you always made the person you were speaking with feel like they had your undivided attention, and that you truly cared about what they were saying. That is very rare in a person..just another example of what kind of man you were. By your words, you showed me the power of forgiveness, and that one is never too big to say "I was wrong about you...let's start over." You had, it seemed, the unique gift of being able to see someone for what they really were; and that people indeed..can change for the better. I'll always remember the point when that occured for us...it is one of my most treasured memories. So, you see, i heard your words, even when it appeared I wasn't listening, and will keep them in my heart always. They, and you, enriched my life so much, and that, my friend, is how I will always remember you...by your words. neala{LD}