[Note: An unavoidable prior commitment kept me from attending Rob's memorial service. I asked that the following be read on my behalf; I believe Howard Faye delivered it.]
On an occasion like this, especially since I can't be here with you in my own voice and person, I wish I had far more eloquence to offer in memory of my friend, in support of his family and all his friends. Permit me to repeat two short excerpts from a posting about Rob:
"In Japan, when the cherries are in bloom, you see lots of old guys sitting under the flower-filled trees, apparently sunk in reveries about the ancient traditions. The cherry blossom is a symbol of the samurai, because unlike so many flowers, it does not wilt on the tree; rather, it reaches the peak of its bloom and drops off in full flower to die. So here was a growing, vibrant person, reaching his peak, then like the samurai, dropping unexpectedly in full bloom. What else could it be except unbearable?"
"On my office bulletin board I have a snapshot of the view from Rob's back porch, looking up at Mt. Diablo; it matches the complementary panorama of another photo, from the top of the mountain looking back down toward the house. To me, these pictures symbolize much that is California and much that was Rob Bernardo, known to many, loved by many, and forever to be remembered by me, as rob@mtdiablo.concord.ca.us."
To this I can add only a sonnet by the greatest miracle the English language has ever known, Mr. Shakespeare:
| O never say that I was false of heart, Though absence seemed my flame to qualify-- As easy might I from myself depart As from my soul, which in thy breast doth lie. That is my home of love. If I have ranged, Like him that travels I return again, Just to the time, not with the time exchanged, So that myself bring water for my stain. Never believe, though in my nature reigned All frailties that besiege all kinds of blood, That it could so preposterously be stained To leave for nothing all thy sum of good; For nothing this wide universe I call Save thou my rose; in it thou art my all. |
Farewell, fare well, fine friend, always in my thoughts and always your friend,
Jess
Sept. 26, 1992
