Epilogue: Work Undone ( written Nov. 1998)

Here it is 24 November 1998, just two days before Thanksgiving and less than a month to Christmas and I find myself still struggling over the struc­ture, grammar and pres­entation of this collection! At the moment I am trying to figure out the best way to get this whole, Incredible Journey, printed and out in time for holiday gifts. I suspect that I will dis­cover the way to do that in time for others to be reading these words by my self- imposed time line.

But importantly as I approach the end to this part of my jour­ney my thoughts hurl back in a kind of video rewind of these past number of months and the now fast approaching twelfth month anniversary of Don's death. I am still saddened, I still think of him, I still cast my eyes on the photo of, "Your Smile: In Final Tribute", and I recall those days just passed and now co-mingled with times long gone by with him. Then to, those events occurring concurrently with Don's illness and death which are described in the introduction and not to subtly at times buried within the compositions them­selves, also rear-up in constant reminder of how fragile at times the human condi­tion is and yet how resilient we are as well. And I wonder if I could not have done a better job at describ­ing this journey. But for now this collection captures my thoughts, emotions and attempts to bring order back to my life. Perhaps someday I'll return and try to tell it another way, maybe in the way which Billy Boy was able to pass on the trials and triumphs of his life.

While wondering if I couldn't have approached this "telling" in whole different manner, I will say that as I review my work I am struck by the words, the thoughts and emotions con­veyed. At times, I chuckle out loud, am moved to tears, forced to pause in recall, stare in disbelief, feel embarrassment, pride, relief, love and anger, and find the peace, serenity and joy among the host of sights, sounds, and descriptive words I have placed to be read. As I do this I am reminded of Billy Boy's belief that, "everything works out for the best", so I end these last few para­graphs to this collection where I began them, with a dedi­cation to Don Gerig, my oldest and best friend:

I miss you something terribly my friend.

But with your passing I have found writing,

while born from sadness and despair, has given me

encouragement, and ease, has renewed

and refreshed my spirit, and granted me new

avenues to explore and bestowed

a gift to share with others.

T.Condon Nov. 2, 1998

 

Epilogue: Web Site (unfinished)

During these past number of months, from August 2005 to the present, I have been on an emotional roller coaster!......