August 5. Still.

This day comes mercifully but once each year. The anniversary of my brother’s passing. August 5. A day like any other. Only not at all. I might have spent this solemn day locked in thought, clutching remembrance, playing his guitar, listening to his absurdly massive collection of home recordings, watching his silly – and really, really hilarious – sketches and skits. I might have done that. I might have gotten a certain tattoo I’ve planned these five years, perhaps mirrored another of his vast and colorful collection of body art. I might have done all that. But I didn’t. I awoke, perceptive of the day it was and went to work. I worked all day and then spent a few moments – subtle, ordinary and because it’s so ordinary, quite divine – moments with my two perfect sons. The remainder of the evening may well bring somber grief, but so be it. Five years gone. Today is August 5. A day like most any other. Only not really at all. He was a son, a brother, a friend, a father. And a force. Carry on my brother.

August 5

The calendar shows today is August 5. Really just another day. Only it isn't. Five years is a long time. It's also a grain of sand. Grief is among the strangest of emotions. It doesn't so much fade or weaken with the passing of time; we simply grow accustomed to it. The loss is everpresent. August 5 was a Friday five years ago. A hot, unforgiving Friday. This time around the sun it's a Thursday, still hot, still muggy and predictably unforgiving. August 5 is just another day. Only it isn't.

HunterFest 2 - Saturday October 30

Possible venue change. We were offered the ravine on EKU campus. Still a possibility being discussed. Date of October 30, roughly noon til near dark seems set. Musical lineup still being worked out as well. Still have nearly three months to finalize and prepare but time's moving more quickly these days. I'm sure that's in a Dylan song. Gotta be.