Thomas left for Colorado today. It took eleven of us and about three hours to pack his entire life onto a truck. It probably wouldn't have taken as long, however special consideration had to be given for The Death Star® and the three thousand books he owns to complete his dissertation.

While loading the truck, someone commented on how calm Thomas was about the whole thing considering how stressful moving can be. He said it was because he trusted all of us completely with his stuff. I turned to him, "Well, that, and I slipped you a Xanax."

Thomas and I met ten years ago while we were volunteers at the local LGBT community center. If it were still around, I suppose it would now be called the LGBTIQA community center. Or better yet, the LGBTIQAOMGWTFBBQ!!!1! community center. I was the volunteer coordinator at the time. Someone told me about Thomas and new mens social group he was running at the center. I called and left him a message to introduce myself and find out what volunteer needs he had.

Now, this next part has been hotly contested for a number of years, but trust me readers, when I tell you MY version is correct.

TWO LONG MONTHS after leaving that message, I answer my phone to hear, "Hi. This is Thomas. I'm returning your call." He said this as if I has just called the night before. I pulled the phone away and looked at it like, "Is this a joke?" Um, sure. Let me see if I remember why I called TWO LONG MONTHS AGO.

That was my introduction to Thomas. I'm happy to say he is much better at returning phone calls now.

Over the years, Thomas has become someone I rely on. When something good happens, he is one of the first to hear about it. When I need help, he is who I call. And when I need someone to mock on my blog, he is always there. He never disappoints.

He's been a pretty good sport about it too.

Thomas is one of the smartest, kindest, funniest, warmest, most generous people I know. He is noble and selfless in his actions always thinks of everyone else before himself. I am lucky to have him in my life and I already miss him dearly.

This isn't a goodbye. Just a "see you later."