But tonight I feel compelled to share a story.

As most of you are aware (and if you're not, honestly, where have you been?) I moved from Long Island to Southern California in November 2004.  I moved out there for, well take your pick on the reasons, but we'll go with "New Opportunities".  I had no clue what I was going to do when I got there or how I was going to support myself.  I had absolutely nothing.  And by some accounts, I had less than nothing.  But like a phoenix, I rose from the ashes.  Only I didn't just rise from the ashes.

I used them as the foundation for what my life would eventually become.

Since deciding to take a leap of faith into the Universe 7 years ago I have lived more, and sometimes blacked out more, than your average person.  I have seen the sun rise & set on 3 different continents and in 7 different countries.  I have lived in 4 different states,  I have Skydived, done Stand Up Comedy, produced events, started several blogs, loved passionately & deeply, been completely dumbfounded by greatness, lived every moment as much in the moment as I could and while I have made bonds and friendships that I know will last a lifetime with some of the most amazing people I might never have known - nothing prepares you for when you lose one of them.

My Long Beach friends are very dear to me for several reasons.  But mot of all because when I had nothing and no one they not only took me in, but they gave me strength.  They gave me courage.  They made me see all of my potential and that I was the only person ever standing in my way.  They taught me that no one could ever make me feel less than amazing, other than me.  I learned so many things from these friends.

From this Family.

Cause that's what we were, or rather still are.  With all of life's moments we are still there.  Kids, Marriages, Divorces, Moves, Jobs - we still have each others backs.  So when you lose one of them its not just losing an acquaintance or just some guy/girl you knew from a bar.  Its like losing a brother, or sister, or a parent.

Today, we all lost someone very dear to us.  A man who, to me, is one of the only men in the world I ever looked up to and admired that wasn't my Father or Grandfather.  

Kamal was the kind of man who you wish you could have known.  He was genuine.  He was generous, loving, supportive, intelligent, passionate, kindhearted, simple, cultured, big hearted, and about a million other adjectives.  He was the kind of man that would smile at anyone and greet them with a "Hello my friend".

Kamal was, well Kamal.

I feel privileged and honored to have known this man the past 6 years.  He brought so much joy to not just my life, but to so many others.  I'm grateful for my time with him and around him.  No one knows why these things happen, but they do and it sucks, i won't lie.  But I know that in a few days, when the shock, numbness, anger and flabbergastedness subside i'll be able to reflect on better times and smile when I think of him. 

He made me a better person and I shall carry his spirit and tenacity for life with me always. 

So Rest in Peace my dear, sweet friend.  The world was better for having you in it and please know that while you may be physically gone from those who love you, we will always carry you with us in our hearts and souls.