Michael, Chris, me and Larry at a party in December 2003
It was a year ago today that we got the startling news of the death of our buddy Larry Brickman (from what turned out to be a freak case of bacterial meningitis). It still doesn't feel real and I'm beginning to wonder if it ever does. The grief is real, but it still feels like he's in SF for grad school and will come buzzing my apartment any day now. Is this just an extended period of denial? (I'm not sure.) If you can see this, Lar, just know how much I miss you and would love nothing more than to see you again. Your friendship 
My friend Larry Brickman's mom has put together an online memorial for him that has lots of photos, music he loved and a place to leave tributes and light "online candles." As awful as his passing has been for all of his friends who miss him dearly, not a day goes by that I don't think about how especially devastating this is for his sweet mother, who I had the pleasure of getting to know earlier this year. Check out the beautiful tribute she's made as I'm sure it would mean a lot to her to hear from others who loved Larry too.
Readers know that we lost our sweet friend Larry Brickman earlier this year. Part of me still can't believe -- much less accept -- that this has really happened. I still keep expecting to run into my Lar (and his trademark grin) at Murray's Bagels on Eighth Avenue. I can't wait to tell him everything that's been going on the last two months. How badly I wish.
A memorial for our dear friend Larry Brickman will be held this evening in Manhattan. The organizers have tried diligently to spread the word, but if we somehow missed you and you're interested in attending, please contact me.
Larry's partner, Chris, had planned to have this NYC-based service because the funeral was last week in Ft. Lauderdale, and he was concerned that many people wouldn't be able to make the journey on such short notice. As it turned out, some 40 New Yorkers (and some people from other places) made it to Florida for the day to pay their final respects to our good buddy. Truthfully, it wasn't that much of a surprise to me. Larry had that kind of effect on people. His warm personality, infectious smile and superior intelligence made him someone people gravitated toward. I know the turnout meant a lot to Chris and the whole Brickman family.
Michael, Chris and I had lunch yesterday and for the first time tried to figure out what to do with ourselves. We all agreed that our fond memories of Larry far outweighed the pain of losing him so suddenly -- so we smiled a lot thinking about him.
Tonight we'll play nonstop Phil Collins music, raise a glass and spend some much-needed time with some of Larry's other friends and colleagues remembering what a sweet man he was. I really miss you, Lar. May you rest in peace.
It's after 2 a.m. and I just got back from attending my friend Larry's funeral in Fort Lauderdale. I hope to resume regular blogging in the near future, but wanted to give friends, family and other readers a brief update on my buddy.
We now know that our sweet Larry died of bacterial meningitis, which he must have contracted near the end of his work trip in London. Larry had e-mailed Chris on Friday that he thought he was coming down with something (symptoms of meningitis are nearly identical to those of the flu), so we believe he boarded the plane in a weakened state eager to get home to get well. The doctors Chris spoke to assure him that Larry likely felt no pain and died peacefully sleeping as his body tried to fight back against the meningitis as it moved from his spine to his brain.
The funeral was beautiful and meeting Larry's extended family was a pleasure. He comes from wonderful people -- so it's clear how he turned out to be such a great kid.
Off to bed. Take care,
kw
Intermittent bouts of disbelief, sadness and anger over here. Will be away from blogging the next two days attending Larry's funeral in Fort Lauderdale. I'm flying down with Chris. Michael and another pal, Dave, are arriving Wednesday. 
Larry Brickman, Dec. 8, 1972-Jan. 7, 2006
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