My friend Graham died this weekend of a heart attack. He was born with a congenitive heart defect, and while he had surgery early in life to correct as best they could, ultimately the muscle that was his heart gave out. That said, the man had one of the biggest hearts, the strongest spirits I have known.
Graham comes from a very tightly-knit circle of friends who have known each other a long time. I'm a relative newcomer to this crowd, but they've always been very welcoming, hospitable, and true blue friends. We were talking last night about how much of an inspiration he was, how he would be out there dancing when no one else was -- be it at a concert, club, or at your house. He introduced people to the best food & drink he knew. He introduced me to Bushmill's Black, an excellent whiskey to warm you on a cold Nebraska night.
He gave me beer money at the Shins concert, and was at my house just last week to pick up Mo after a few of us had been porching it. He was a gentleman, a scholar, a writer, a bartender, a host, a dancer, a world traveler, a free spirit, and an inspiration. We spent most of yesterday at my house, and then over at their apartment sharing stories.
John said that he could picture Graham making it up to heaven and asking God whether he had ever had Nutella with ... and oh, just let me make it for you. He also said that when it is his time to die, that he wants Graham Johnson to welcome him to the afterlife. He can just picture him, "This is so great! I can't wait to show you around!!"
His girlfriend, Mo, is taking it really hard. She's an artist, and
waits at the French Cafe. Since she's a server, she doesn't have a lot of money coming in right now. We'd all like her to not have to go back to work, so we're talking
to people about different ways to raise funds. I'll post them here when I get
more info, but please keep her & his family in your thoughts &
prayers. And if you can spare anything, the price of a drink, it will go a long way. We've started taking up collections, and talked about setting up a Paypal account where people could send money long-distance.
Finally, Graham was a writer. He had just finished his first novel & was dealing with a publisher so that he could get it printed on demand. We'd very much like to make it happen, as he was a wonderful philosopher, a wonderful lover & liver of life. I'm going to offer whatever publishing skills I have, and I'd like for us to be able to make a handmade edition for the family & for Mo. I have some connections to people who make books & typesetting skills, but any ideas or resources would be welcome in this endeavor.
Many Thanks to Brendan, Tony, Rupi &, Lisa for the pictures of Graham, and to everyone who has shared stories in the comments below. I know that writing for me has always been therapeutic, especially when I have lost someone I love. Please feel free to share your stories and photos. I've set up a Flickr photostream with the same photos the album here, so that people can comment on the photos, add their own, etc.

It is unfortunate that he was taken early in life, but at least he lead a full one. I never met him, but I wish I had after reading this. I hope you and everyone else in his circle of friends are celebrating his life and taking care of yourselves also while in mourning.
Posted by: Max | 2005.06.27 at 10:34 AM
Graham was the most inviting, welcoming and accomodating soul I've met in a very long time. I didn't know Graham very long or very well. But what I do know is that he has some very amazing friends. Everytime I saw Graham he would come chat with me about traveling, working or my favorite: food. Could that guy throw together some spontaneous pasta or what!! It's also nice to know that someone else appreciates the yummy goodness that is Nutella.
Graham was someone I'd define as a Renaissance Man. He knew something about everything. The one solace I have in his death is that in his short 33 years, he had a life. Graham knew how to live life. He saw the world, he experienced the best in life and he had an amazing group of friends (not to mention his adorable and wonderfully talented girlfriend).
Also Graham had leather pants.
The past 2 days have been hard. However, they've also been rewarding. I've had a wonderful excuse to hang out with some of the coolest people ever non-stop for 2 days. I've had an excuse to drink fine (box) wine and eat tofu dogs to my heart's content. I've been rewarded with a new perspective on life and a newfound appreciation for my friends.
If there is a silver lining, I think that is it.
To all my wonderful, beautiful, sassy, smart and chic friends (that's all of you): I love you. I don't think I can say that enough.
Posted by: Lindsy | 2005.06.27 at 11:16 AM
Ben, I'm sorry for your loss. You've been nothing but supportive of me and it's a quality that i cherish. I'm sure your friend knew that quality well and admired you too.
Tonight i raise my glass to Graham.
Posted by: E. Tage Larsen | 2005.06.27 at 09:09 PM
It's been hard to experience this all at a distance. One of my last memories was then same that you share, Graham coming for Mo, arriving in his jungle adventurer finery.
I can't say that I knew him that well, but I do know the love that many of my friends have expressed for Graham. I know that I will never have another dirty martini at the French, because I always told Graham that he was the only one that could do it right. He was a gracious host, and I am blessed to have participated in the celebration of his 33rd birthday at his home.
In the long run, we'll all be there for one another. I cannot express my admiration for this group of friends, and I am very fortunate to be a part of this circle. I will see what I can do with the resources I have, and I will be in town again soon.
Posted by: nico | 2005.06.28 at 02:25 AM
I wanted to send this open letter to all in acknowledgment of the difference that Graham has made in my life personally and the lasting impact that I will always cherish. The thing that was immediately striking about Graham was the easy tone with which he carried himself, second only to, and immediately overshadowed by, the intense kindness of his eyes. Ever with a smile, always with kind words, never without encouragement. He was, in a word, most princely in his dealings with friend and stranger.
While relaxed and gentle, he had an appreciation for the better appetites and loved a good draught or glass of wine with good conversation. I had never known him to be without chocolate, or the delight of sharing it. He enjoyed the more gentlemanly sports and was more than proficient at them, and yet spent much time and energy humbly riding and refurbishing second hand bicycles, out of principle.
And that is where I will cherish Graham most. He was passionate about the world. In his living, his thorough loving and his deep respect and concern for the health of its very entirety. Often so passionate as to insist that action needed to be taken “NOW!”. “Now” will impact the future, “now” the legacy of the planet is determined, “now” there is still time. He was most serious and tough minded in these moments and during these conversations, one to one, it were his abilities towards politeness and passion, held in a single argument, that I admired most. Tough minded, smart, and elegant in his manners.
I can hear his name on the lips of all our friends…with love and interest and excitement. It was never a true gathering until Graham had arrived. We all loved him very dearly and I will cherish the fortune of knowing him for the rest of my life. I am a better person for knowing him.
Posted by: Tony | 2005.06.28 at 09:07 AM
I'm having a hard time writing now, but reading all of this is helping.
Graham was, more than anything, a mentor to me. He was part of a group of Rupi's friends who taught me how to be an adult, how to do right to the ones you love, and what it means to be (or what to look for in) a man.
Graham knew how to foster ones interests -- to make you feel like your ideas mattered, were interesting, could change the world. He knew how to listen. In telling him your dreams you saw them come alive because he believed so much in your potential to accomplish them.
How does one miss someone like this? How does one lose someone like this? Thank you, Graham, for being here for me. Thank you, Graham, for being in my life, for teaching me so much, for changing my world.
Posted by: Sonali | 2005.06.28 at 11:45 AM
When remembering Graham, going to the Applejack festival in Nebraska city last year will always be first for me.
He ate my slice of apple pie with carmel and ice cream the moment I showed ANY sign of slowing. Three huge bites and it was all over. He sat there, squirrel cheeked, wearing his trademark smirk. Like a child perpetually caught with his hand in the cookies.
My heart goes out to everyone who loved this hairy little Duetchlander like their own blood. How could we not?
My thoughts keep trying to turn black, but everytime Graham is waiting for me at the brink, doing the white man shuffle in leather pants.
I miss him so much...
Posted by: Andrew | 2005.06.28 at 11:59 AM
Graham, always a rock star.
When I think of him I can hear his laugh so clearly. He always had kind things to say and sometimes they were just a little naughty. I am thankful to have know someone so loving of life and willing to share it with us.
I will miss him and I will love him always.
Posted by: Amy | 2005.06.28 at 12:37 PM
Graham-ola-cola.
Graham.
Graham came through Oregon two weeks ago, in his whirlwind way, traveling with Jon Henning. They camped out in the backyard and we had the chance to catch up on their trip, the book. He was one of the very great ones that I had the luck to meet, to know to call friend. The kind of guy that would help you bury the body if that was what it took.
I have laid in the German chocolate, which has taken on some kind of a tribute with each square consumed. Graham always imparted a lust for life, and living. Bursting with energy and a spark in his eye that made you smile and the conversation easy and interesting.
I wrote the below a couple of evenings ago:
Late in the evening and listening to Mason Jennings "Use Your Voice" (how appropriate a title). Why? When I had my going away party Graham in Graham-fashion, brought a brown paper sack of goodies to see me through to Oregon. Granola and Cliff Bars, Soy Chips, gum, altoids, and chocolate covered sunflower seeds for the drive. A bottle of root beer for the travel time and a bottle of champagne for my arrival, my homecoming with my girls, and my new home in Oregon. He also put this cd in. Mason Jennings.
When he came out with Jon Henning a few weeks later we put it in the car stereo for a drive out to the coast. When I put it in the stereo that first time (no cd players in Uhauls) it was the perfect compliment to the rolling coast hills, the vibrant growth of fern laden greenery and the soft rain. I had never heard of Mason Jennings and it was perfect. Full of life, vigor, upness (I made that up) thoughtful and joyful in a beautiful balance. Just like Graham. He was always excellent at introducing me to new things that made life just a little better. Sharing his energy.
He always looked life in the face. When things were tough he buckled down, put his chin out, and smiled that grin only he will ever own. A smile that spoke volumes of his will, love of life, his knowing that tomorrow has all the promise of a sunrise, a perfect sky, and hopes/dreams realized. Damn. I will miss that smile of his. I looked forward to watching his smile lines grow and his eyes as life led through time, experience leaving its mark. Seeing that visage over some ideal beverage, discussing issues of import, and past joys, tomorrow’s dreams, and life.
I lucked out meeting Graham, having him as a friend. The kind of guys who would bail you out and hide the body. True friend. Brilliant, witty, thoughtful, real, caring, gentle and always there when you needed him. We first met in grade school outside the Cinema Twin in Lincoln with EJ. Then I got to know him more through Irving Jr High and Southeast. Playing with him in a band, practicing in Colby Starck's basement. Knowing him through college and in the nineties in Lincoln.
Graham lived for life. A couple of years ago we went to watch Southeast at the State Football finals with his dad on a brisk late autumn evening. It was perfect. Seeing the two of them in the stadium seats, thinking that I would love to be here 20 years later with my daughter Anaka, watching a football game, having a beer before, and cheering together for the team.
We had countless evenings of hashing out world politics, talking about the environment, Nazi foo fighters, dreaming of better tomorrow. It was always an event spending time talking with Graham of hopes, fears, joys, dreams, plans, love, and life. It was all laid bare in perfect nakedness. Honest and open, under star and some German chocolate he was sure to have on hand.
When my mother died I think the most important thing that I learned was that we have only the time that we have. Make the most of it and leave no love unspoken, no time in regret. Savor those memories that you make with friends and family. Before I moved Jon, Graham and I had a beer at Jon's apartment after I had flown back to Omaha having visited Kristi and Anaka in Oregon. When Graham and Jon visited us in Oregon we met again and left again. A hug, a kiss on the cheek. Looking towards our next time together, enjoying the memories of the weekend.
I remember the last time that I saw my Mom. Saying goodbye after a Thanksgiving weekend where my puppies terrorized my father's nerves. She, standing on the front step. A hug a kiss, a goodbye, enjoying the memories of the week. Looking forward to the next time. I think that we have to love like tomorrow is never coming. The time we have is time we have.
In all of this I walk through the memories with Graham. Reading through the drafts of his book (so close to publishing-we have got to get that done). Talking of his love for Morwena. His surprise birthday party (way to go M0!) unexpected and perfect w/ good wine and friends and conversation. The expression on his face as he walked through the door to the kitchen where we were all crammed. Playing tennis at the UNL courts in perfect Nebraska evenings, Graham with a couple of beverages in his bike bag for after the game. His trip goodies when I moved to Wyoming. His recounting of experiences in Germany. Playing bocce and croquet in Oregon. Graham's bicoastal trip in the ex-Evans VW bus. Perfect discussions of the world in kitchens, in front of fires, on porches. Brunches on Sundays with bread and cheese from Graham.
Graham was always absolutely Graham. Every time you saw him for even the briefest moment he left you better for the time spent. A light, a hope, a promise of better things to come, a laugh, his smile, eyes shining, a lift in your heart for having seen it. He always passed on some of that sparking energy he possessed.
Thanks Graham!
I look forward to seeing you again in some perfect infinity. Thanks for being there. For the memories. For your love of life, your light, your energy. You have left you mark in my life and in the life of all the people that have met you. We laugh deeper, love with our whole selves, and know that what we do counts. We make our world a better place for having known you. You made the world a better place for having lived in it.
Cheers.
Brendan
Posted by: Brendan | 2005.06.28 at 03:09 PM
I’m a friend of Graham’s from High School and I just wanted to say thanks for this tribute and all of the pictures! I live far away and had not seen him for so long. I can’t come back for the service and appreciate so much seeing him in all of these photos living fully! What a special spirit he will always be! Shocked and saddened can’t even begin to explain, but he was loved by everyone who knew him and will be so missed.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | 2005.06.29 at 12:35 PM
Graham, you are a man who truly left this world on top.
Everyone longs to have a passion for life like Graham. He had such joy and love to give everyone and I believe that same joy is still being meted to everyone he loved. I just wonder why was he taken now? No one person will have this answer until we all meet in some idyllic paradise one day. I can invision Graham standing there right now wearing his vest over his rainbow sweater and also sporting those wunderbar leather pants, smiling with his whole face and holding a fantastic beer in one hand and some worldy or odd food in the other. I am going to miss him so much, I know we all will.
When I first met Graham he was wearing that same vest (no rainbow sweater though) and Kevin Sullivan came up to me and said you should talk to this guy Graham he lived in Hannover for a while and speaks German fluently, I immediately went over to introduce myself but I was too shy to say anything in German. I soon realized that no one person could ever be shy around Graham. He was so warm and inviting and introduced me to the fabulous Morwenna who I love dearly. It gives me peace to think that Graham is watching over her and trying to catch those tears.
Graham impressed everyone he met because he lived life as a celebration. I am so lucky to have known him. Before we met I did not think that a wonderful, enthusiastic, loving, idealistic, brilliant, caring, giving, entertaining, and energenic person could exist, but he did and he still does. I guess all in all Graham was just pure magic. He will always reign as the number one host of all time. Whether it was beer, nutella, world cheeses, German chocolate, coffee, even vegemite, it was always the best when Graham was there. He really did make the world a better place.
The last night I saw you we were not able to talk for long but I knew I would see you soon and at the time just seeing that burly beard and your smile was simply fantastisch. This is the last thing you taught me, live life to the fullest everyday because you can never know what will happen the next. Thank you again for all the advice, for welcoming me into your steadfast circle of friends, for the stories, the beers, the chocolate, the laughs, und die wunderbare Erinnerungen.
I look forward to seeing you again some day to laugh and live once again. Vielen dank wieder...
Prost und Lieb.....or as you would always say mach's gut
Marti
Posted by: Marti | 2005.06.29 at 07:49 PM
I met Graham in Summer 95 in Heidelberg. We all had moved into a newly built dormitory and Graham - back then his German was not that perfect as it had become during his last stay in Germany - was put into a shared appartment with a Russian physicist who didn't speak English. But there was almost no night were you wouldn't see them sitting in their kitchen discussing for hours and hours.
Back then, he started talking about the book he was going to write and publish, and, Graham, you pursuited that goal with passion and certainty throughout all the uncertainties and troubles of life. I adore you for that energy and thank you for the smile and warmth you always had for your friends.
He came back to Germany as he had always promised. And we had again some wonderful times and discussions though, unfortunately, I had to leave Heidelberg too soon. With Graham it was always as if no time had passed and no distance had come between us. Even without communicating much I felt that in Graham I would always have a friend to call upon.
I didn't know about his heart problems. I think he never told any of his German friends about it. He probably didn't want us to worry. Ben is right, I've never met a person with such a big heart.
I miss you, Graham.
Posted by: Tobias | 2005.06.30 at 05:17 AM
When I saw Graham disappearing behind the gate in Frankfurt Airport for the first time I, it made me cry a lot, as I thought I would just loose a very good friend. The time we (the crowd of the newly built dormitory) spent together in Heidelberg was for sure one of the best times in my life. And with him leaving I already felt, this all would be over soon as he was the core, holding together the whole pack of people.
But he came back and we spent another two years or so in Heidelberg, sharing good and also bad times. Many parties, above all his 30th birthday at Michaels place with us, superflowes as live-act, but also many calm evenings in the bars of Heidelberg or in his flat will stay in my memory. Bringing him to the airport another time was much easier than for the first time, as I was sure that this is a friend I will never loose, no matter the distance that lies between us, no matter the time we wouldn’t see each other.
To hear you leaving planet earth, that you cared so much about, made me cry a lot again. But I won’t give up the hope to see you again. Until then, I’ll try to keep as much of your openness, kindness and “zuversichtlichkeit” in my heart. I might not be the “transatlantic superparty” you were thinking about recently, but maybe a “transcendental superparty” in afterlife.
Anyway, I miss you a lot, Oli
Posted by: Oli | 2005.06.30 at 08:13 AM
I met Graham first in junior high when he was my tennis coach and then as a confused high school graduate trying to make my way in Lawrence Kansas. I was lucky enough to get him as a tutor, he really helped me mold an altruistic vision i now have of the world. He always had words of wisdom for me and the respect for those around him oozed from his soul. I then was again lucky enough to have Graham come into my life yet one more time in 1999 when I returned home to Lincoln and was studying Environmental Sciences. I walked in to the ERC one day and there he was: dripping in his activism. He had such passion and conviction in what he did he inspires. I was lucky to have known him in just the few facets I was able to see him. As a role model, a teacher, an activist and most importantly a friend. He believed in me, as a person that was contributing to the human race and in that way alone he has changed the world.
Posted by: Andrea | 2005.06.30 at 06:10 PM
I'll never forget how much fun we had (the crowd of the newly built dormitory in Heidelberg) during the time Graham was learning German! He was so happy about all the new words and he was using them in a really very creative way. What a wonderful afternoon it was, when Graham welcomed me at the kitchen door with the words: Komm rein, aber es ist ganz unputzig! ("Come in, but sorry my place is very non-cute")
Keep on smiling, where ever you are!
Posted by: Britta | 2005.07.01 at 05:01 AM
I am shocked - such a lot bloody suckers on our wourld becaming old and fat and why a person open-hearted like him has to leave. There must be an answer for this. Maybe he ís now in a better wourld or he was finding for what he was looking for and now was ready for this. Me chest is hurts.
tonight I am gonna look into the stars, thinking for you, drinking a cold beer with you, saying Prost, missing you.
Posted by: dirk | 2005.07.01 at 11:18 AM
Nameste Graham...honoring the good in you is easy to do as you had so much of it. I'll find your smile in the sunshine. I'm missing you.
Thanks for being there there to support me the first time I sang with the "Super Flows"
Jonathan Yoesting (Heidelberg, GE/ Portland, OR/Dallas-Austin,TX)
live.it.right@gmail.com
Posted by: Jonathan Yoesting | 2005.07.02 at 11:32 AM
It's been nearly a week since Graham's passing. I don't know what I can say about him that hasn't already been said, but repetition only underscores the manner in which he inspired so many people. Graham was one of the warmest, most caring, most sincere people I’ve ever known. He was a great lover and a great liver of life, approaching each new endeavor with boundless enthusiasm and unwavering conviction.
Graham had literally hundreds of friends and somehow, he managed to make all of them feel like they were his best friend. Graham just had an innate ability to bring out the best in people, often with nothing more than his infectious smile and a genuine interest in anything you had to say. And if you left him unattended at a party for more than 10 minutes, you could be sure to find him dancing in your living room, either alone or with anyone who cared to join him... and there was never a shortage of people willing to follow Graham’s lead.
I’m honored and humbled that I was able to know Graham, spend time with him and call him my friend. As the weeks and months go by and the pain slowly becomes more manageable, I hope that all of us will reflect not on losing him, but on the valuable lessons he taught us: pursue your dreams without delay, cherish your relationships and love with all your heart, be confident in all you do (and wear), and live your life as though each day could be your last.
For those unable to attend his memorial service, I will close with three German phrases that were printed on the program: Lebensfreude (“Joy of Life”), Gemütlichkeit (“Shared sense of warmth & coziness”) and “Leb Wohl” (“Live life to the fullest”). Auf wiedersehen, mein Freund.
Posted by: Ben Spence | 2005.07.02 at 12:37 PM
Graham ... and all of Graham's numerous friends,
Finally, I think I can do this. I haven't been able to write much about Graham ... I haven't had the words. Now, I found a few to share.
Graham was proud of all of us. He loved us all for who we are and supported all of our individual passions. We are, in effect, the epilogue to his book. Through our lives, our passions, and our dreams, Graham will always live on.
A few days ago, I saw a rainbow and could not help but feel Graham. He isn't gone, he will always be here, in each one of us, in a rainbow, in a sunset, in a round of beers had between friends, in the love we have for each other.
I miss you friend. I will think of you often, and I hope to live my life so that in some way, it shows everyone around me a small glimpse of you.
Goodbye Graham. I will love you always.
jon
Posted by: Jon Henning | 2005.07.02 at 01:47 PM
I thought I would pass along to each of you the following link to Sports Illustrated. Lars Anderson, a fellow Southeast High School graduate and member of the tennis team, and a current sportswriter for SI, wrote a very nice memorial about Graham. It's great, but not surprising at all, to see that Graham had such an impact on people on such a large scale. Anyway, here is the link:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/lars_anderson/07/01/midseason.awards/1.html
Posted by: Joel | 2005.07.02 at 05:15 PM
I'm also an old friend of Graham's from Lincoln--and remember those idyllic summer days at "the Knolls" that Lars mentioned in his piece. I know we all have lots of great memories of Graham...the one that will always stick with me was when I drove Graham to his first big high-school party the summer before he started SE. (I swear Feistner was in the car too, but maybe I'm getting forgetful in my old age.) When he got out of my Jeep, he said thank you, and added, "this was definitely cooler than having my mom drop me off." What can I say? I was touched. Not a bad compliment from Graham for an incoming senior. I guess that really does date things a bit, eh?
Anyway, when my mom called to tell me Graham had passed away, I just couldn't believe it. I realize everyone is shocked to say the least.
It is terribly sad to realize I'll never just run into Graham again or hear about his latest escapades from mutual friends.
My thoughts are with Graham's family, and with Mo, whom I've never met, but know is hurting very much right now.
I am sorry to have been unable to be home in NE to say goodbye more properly to Graham, but will do so on my own in some earth-friendly (Graham-approved) way here in Arizona.
Thank you for the stories everyone. To Graham!
Posted by: Chelsea | 2005.07.03 at 06:06 AM
I also went to Southeast with Graham, but we didn't get to know each other until college years. I have not seen him in quite awhile. What I remember the most about Graham is his love for life and learning. He always had inspiring ideas about how to change the world, and I am just so happy to know that he was following his dreams and accomplishing his goals with his book. He always had a way of making you believe that you could do anything you set your mind to. He was such a sweet, gentle and exceptional soul and he will be greatly missed. I believe the world is a much dimmer place without him. Thanks for the words and the photos. It is nice to get a glimpse into his more recent days. My condolences to his family, girlfriend and friends. We'll miss you, Graham!
Posted by: Misty | 2005.07.06 at 08:26 AM
Graham, it`s really hard to believe, you`ve gone. I still remember the moment in 1995 when you, just moved to Heidelberg, were standing together with your friend Corey in front of Doros and my door in the student dormitory, looking for company. There was your smile. Pretty soon I noticed there was an extraordinary person living next door to me. You became a special friend, in good times and in bad times. Thank you for having me Christmas 2001 in your house.
Even we haven`t seen for long, it was like yesterday we met the last time. I keep on thinking of the sessions on our balcony in spring 2003 before you left Germany. You had so many wonderful ideas and thoughts. Unfortunately I didn`t have the chance to show you our twins, Gioia and Joshua. You were the first one, who knew about their existence. We planned to follow your invitation to visit you and Morwenna next year. Too sad that this will never happen.
You`re always on my mind.
Christiane with Ruben, Gioia and Joshua
Posted by: Christiane | 2005.07.06 at 02:57 PM
Some of you will recognize my name, some of you won't. I was a volunteer assistant tennis coach (the following year I became head coach, and am still there today...yikes!)Graham's senior year. I was also the student council sponsor... I can't remember if Graham was actually a member, or if he just hung out with us a lot. jThat would be something he would do...right? My impression of Graham in those days was of a kid who just absolutely had the world by the tail. A Blonde-haired, blue- eyed kid with an infectious smile...the golden boy... the diamond in the rough. Those years came and went, and of course I didn't expect to see or hear from Graham any more than I hear from the thousands of other students I interact with in those tender years. Lucky me...that wasn't the case. I kept bumping into Graham...out jogging, at Open Harvest (local health-food store)on a tennis court...in fact, he wound up being an assistant tennis coach a few years back! I hope he knows I have forgiven him for being a no-show at our season-ending banquet. I heard he opted for a concert in Kansas City that night. Those of you who know me,know I can be a bit long-winded...I'm doing it,aren't I? Anyway... if you're reading this, you don't need another voice to tell you what a wonderful guy Graham was...you know. I just wanted to be a voice from another generation... I'm a 50 year old who remembers the good old days when scraping together a few dollars meant it was time for adventure. "I've got a hundred bucks...let's hitch to California!" I can't tell you how refreshing it is to hear of folks like Graham,and all of his dear friends (who I have had the good fortune of getting a peek into your lives through formats like this) who are out there living life, working for change and being passionate. The spirit and spark of the 60's and 70's is not dead. Graham certainly embodied all those qualities that sometimes seem to be fading with each passing generation. Of course I'm sad. That eternal question of why the really good die young is once again coming around. My heart goes out to all of you who were his good friends. Cherish what you had, and still do have. It will get easier. Love, Tidball
Posted by: Tim Tidball | 2005.07.09 at 02:20 PM
Benefit for Graham! Tonight and Thursday!
At The Goofy Foot. 1012 S 10th St, Omaha.
The first night is tonight (Monday). It will feature a Hootin' Anny style lineup including Jake Bellows, Orenda Fink, Ted Stevens, Dan McCarthy and more.
The second night will be Thursday and will feature Le Beat, The Stay Awake and probably one more band TBA.
Both shows will start around 9:30ish and will be $5 with all door proceeds and a percentage of liquor sales going to help Morwenna and hopefully to further the publication of Graham's book.
Pass it on and see you there!
love,
Sonali
Posted by: Sonali | 2005.07.11 at 11:39 AM