We “officially” say goodbye to Al, and celebrate for his pain-free, easy-breathing, trombone-playing new life. How grateful we are for his not having to endure chemo or face the end with cancer. How inspired we are by the stories so many medical staff told us in his last hours and afterwards. How saddened we are that we can’t thank him personally for showing us how to make a difference in even a stranger’s life with a few kind words. 

But also how encouraged we are by the love and support shown by so many people who also loved him. 

Al, you are already missed so much by so many.