01/11/2026
Our freak flags are flying at half mast today. I feel foolish now having clung to the idea that there would always be at least one more Saturday night.
And I'm probably not alone in the thoughts currently spinning around in my head...all those shows that I could have gone to, or should have gone to. If I'd only stuck around for that encore, or not stepped outside for a smoke during a song that "I had heard enough times..."
But those thoughts cannot compete with the memories of all the good times I had, all the friends I made.
Bob Weir and Ratdog represent the beginning of my own coming of age tale. Like countless others, my first Dead show set the course for the rest of my life. Or in other words, the bus came by and I got on that's when it all began.
I still can't believe that I'm never going to see Bobby on stage again. And like so many others, I am experiencing grief for this larger than life character.
I've been searching for lyrics that can accurately portray the way I feel right now. And though it would be appropriate to pull a line from any of the countless dead songs swirling around my head, this line written by The Byrds does a pretty good job.
"He never knew my name
Though I never met him
I knew him just the same"
Bobby gave us so much. More than any Performer I can think of. He could have retired years ago, but he chose to keep on truckin' so he could continue to share his magic with the world.
I suppose there is one song that is on so many of our minds, and I will leave you with this;
Fare you well,
Fare you well,
I love you more than words can tell.
Thank you Bobby. We miss you here on earth but I think there's a great stage in the sky and Jerry, Phil, Brent, Pigpen, and the rest of the family are eagerly awaiting you so the show can continue.
