March 22, 1996
Dear Jonathan,
You are gone from us now, and we are gathered here to wish you a pleasant journey. I hope that you have found the peace and clarity that you so fervently sought. I wonder at your passing, and how it will affect the course of my life. One thing is certain --- it was an honor to have known and loved you.
It is not easy for young people to understand specialness of the kind you possessed. I used to defend you against your detractors in school, and then was secretly ashamed that you were different. I am ashamed now that I was ashamed then. Please forgive me for the times when I was impatient with you, and failed to understand.
Not many know better than I your capacity for gentleness, honesty, forthrightness and love. In a field full of sheep and wolves, among them, you chose to be neither. You were much too beautiful for this world. I heard it said once that the flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long. The light that you have brought to us will never be extinguished.
Farewell, my brother, and good fortune to you in your travels in the place beyond this life.
Love,
your brother Jeffrey
