Bob Lazarus was one of the first guys in Boston to book me for something other than an open mic or "guest spot." Over the years he and I have travelled all over New England, as he has with hundreds of other comics. He's been part of the Boston scene since the days of the legendary Ding Ho comedy club, where he started out with folks like Steven Wright, Paula Poundstine, and Barry Crimmins. A little over a year ago, he was diagnosed with Leukemia, and has been fighting it tooth and nail. Unfortunately, last night he lost the fight. I had been bouncing this song around in my head for a few weeks. It wasn't really written for him, but this morning I started to put it down on paper while I thought about him, his lovely wife Cathy, and their beautiful little girl. It's not finished, but neither was Laz. So I post this for him, and all of us who knew and loved him.

RAISE A GLASS

And you know that we're sad for your leaving
And we'll all be less high when you're gone
But we'll carry with us all the memories of you
And with heavier hearts, we'll go on

You're a friend to all that have known you
And you're loved by all of us here
And the stories we'll tell will keep us
'Till we see you again and we'll cheer

(CHORUS)
So we'll lift up our hearts and salute you
Tho we'd rather you're here, but alas
You've been called far away, so until that great day
When we see you again, sure we'll all raise a glass

Last night as I learned you were taken
All my thoughts narrowed down to your smile
And that memory of you was so bright and so warm
That I laughed and I cried like a child

(CHORUS)

(REPEAT FIRST VERSE)
(REPEAT CHORUS)

Goodbye Laz. I wish you were still here.