Hey Kids.

We interupt the usual trite shite with an important announcement...

It's been a while, I know.  I am not normally one to blab my personal crap on here.  But there are many of you who know me and know my family and so many of you that I have not been able to get in contact with.

Three weeks ago, my older brother died.  It sucked.  Some of you may not have realized that I had one.  He was quite a few years older than me and for many years not a part of my life.  We had grown closer as adults and I came to know three charming and intelligent nephews and one beautiful and vibrant neice, not to mention a kick ass sister in law.  We disagreed on many things, but I came to find out far too late that he was a fierce advocate for my life and freedom - one can't ask anymore from a brother.  Dean had fought a long and hard battle with cancer and it finally got the better of him.  Something that, while difficult, is something one can try to prepare for to the best of one's ability.

Just this past thursday (three weeks to the day after my brother as a matter of fact), my older sister Geri died suddenly.  Geri and I had, what can best be described, as a complex relationship.  We were not always close.  We at times wared (is that even a word, and if it is, is it spelled correctly? hmpf) with each other as only a brother and sister do (How can one forget 'Star Wars Man Soup' or 'Salem Witchcraft Barbie' - just one example of the intricate little battles we would wage).  But, like brothers and sisters eventually do, we buried our respective hatchets and became the best of friends.  Often agreeing to disagree on many things (and people), but always maintaining a tight solidarity when it came to our lives, family, privacy and freedom.  Her death was a shock to me that is going to take a while to be 'ok' with.  She left behind two of the most wonderful young men that I am honored to have in my life and who I am very worried for.

For those of you that know me well, you know that I don't let things get to me. 

This has.

For those of you that knew either of my siblings, wish them well on their journey (if you believe in that sort of thing), or just remember them.

I'd appreciate that.

Edward "Buddy (well, to some of you)" LeMay

We will return to our regularly scheduled programing sometime in the future.