My friend Dan Thompson passed away two weeks ago. He had not yet reached the grand age of 28. I still can't believe it. Dan, a giant of a man, a protector by nature and by trade, Dan cared. Naturally gregarious, and willing to welcome new blood to his herd. A natural born joker.
Dan, unknowingly, answered a question I had running around in my mind since I was a child, since I became aware of social groups and my place, and the place of others within them. How can some people get away with saying, absolutely anything they want without offending others or without moral judgement from others? A free pass, if you will, from "high ground" analysis of every word uttered, whether politically incorrect or blushingly crude. The answer was one of depth of character, some people are just good to the core. Even when they try and shock they can't fool you. Trust and love for a man like Dan are innate. I will miss you my friend.
