Dr. Bruce Short will be dearly missed by everyone that knew him. He was a very caring, and generous man. Unfortunately, I only had the pleasure of being around him a couple of times. He passed away one afternoon while taking a nap after playing a round of golf. Something that he loved doing as much as hang gliding. He was only 51 years young. What a tragic loss for our community, and our lives. The world was definitely a better place with him in it.

There was over 65 people in attendance at his wake this evening. Many of his friends, and families stood up and told "Bruce stories", about the good, and not so good times of the memorable past with him in their lives. Many had a tough time with it, which was more than understandable. Through their stories, sharing of the memories, the laughter, I was moved ever so much. Matt, and other friends that started out together, told of the tough times when the flight park was but a dream, and he had yet to started Med. school. Kind of reminded me of a brotherhood of pilots. Which I guess, in a sense, is what we all are a part of, those that love this sport, and are actively pursuing those elusive thermals and XC days, Birdwannabes. He started touching the sky back in the '70's.

This was one of the most beautiful fresh flower arrangements I have ever seen.

He was also a member of the Royal Order of the Raven. Back when we were still able to fly Grandfather Mountain. Oh, and remember "The Great Race"?

He also had a great love for the fireworks. So, it was only fitting that we had some this evening. I was lucky enough to get this shot of them.

I won't forget this evening for a long time. Everyone brought dishes of food, to go with the ham & turkey that Doris put out tonight. What a feast that we had. The food, keg, desserts, stories, and the loving friendship was a very rare treat, and it is a shame that all of it had to be shared under these circumstances. It is always amazing to me how fast times passes by. There was some regrets that was shared this evening. Words spoken in anger, over trivial things, left unmended until it was too late. I wonder how many people have those like situations in their lives right now. Having not spoken to a brother or sister, mother or father, son or daughter, etc..... for a long time, because of something that happened, and you may not even remember what it was about. Yet,,, time goes by and it is left unresolved, when it could have been mended sometimes with a simple phone call. However, pride is a wicked beast, and will eat your lunch if given the chance. Would you rather have regrets? or a mended fence? Which would make your future a little brighter? Myself, I believe that life is too short to cause other people greif. Every person that you come in contact with, on a Daily basis, is fighting some kind of battle. Are you going to make it better, or add to it? Make someone's day,, make a phone call to someone you love and miss in your life, if you have a fence to mend. If not,,,, Gentle breezes, my friend.