Beautiful Sally, Beautiful Skye, Beautiful Becky; I barely know you and yet, through your words and deep connection to Pete, I know you so well. The feelings are strong and powerful. I am here to say that if there is ever a need to share or find some solace, we are here for each other, always.

Dear Pete,

They played Neil Diamond for you today. Your beautiful family holding strong, yet tender. Words of love and loss shared so intimately; you would have been proud. I felt disembodied, watching from afar, almost as though I were no longer of this world, rather like I imagine you were watching; observing this "livestream" and those mortals present to honour and tribute you. I had no voice, nothing to share, and yet I feel so much.

I love you Pete, always have, always will. That's really all I can say. I don't understand it, and I don't think you do either, but there it is. An instant bond all those years ago when we were both strangers in a strange land, meeting in Northern California in 1983. I was there for you then unquestionably and uncompromisingly during a most difficult time. That intensity is what forged our friendship and I have always known that you would do the same and have always been there for me.

It was a whirlwind of a year. You sweet talked me into attending computer school with you. How could I resist those puppy dog eyes?  It was the last thing I was interested in doing and yet you were so enthusiastic and excited and had your heart set on it and needed a friend. Of course I would join you! And so there we were enrolled and night schooling together at the Computer Learning Center in San Francisco. God it was boring stuff but you lapped it up, couldn't get enough of it! I fed off of your enthusiasm, dreading the tests which you brushed off as insignificant  (and yet you aced them all and I, somehow, managed to as well, something you have frequently reminded me of)!

Although years and distance get in the way, we pick up where we leave off. I always manage to get a visit in when I get back to the UK. the last visit was deeply touching back in 2019 where I made a super sweet connection with Becky and introduced her to my daughters. Again, and as usual, all too brief, and fleeting. But the heart connection remains as strong as ever.

I wasn't sure if we were going to be able to meet up on my last visit back in October this year as I was flying out of Bristol not Gatwick, but you were adamant and cut out of work and drove to Glastonbury where I was staying. What a gift and memories forever branded in my mind. Thank you for making that huge effort. We had a great visit and topped it off with cream tea in a quintessential cafe on the high street. It was an interesting full circle moment when you arrived that first evening. The very first night I met you back in California I made a spaghetti bolognaise for you and Chas and Kevin when you came to stay with us. For some reason that's what I made for you in Glastonbury! Our first and last supper together. And, no, it's not the only thing I can cook!

Well, there is so much more I could say but I'll sign off for now, my friend. I'm glad I got to introduce you to the magic in Glastonbury. Thank you forever for calling me out of my car one last time after we had said our goodbyes and giving me the most unexpected kiss! You said you wanted to give me a "proper goodbye". I didn't think much of it at the time but now I am deeply touched by its significance.

Love and light,

Mark- aka KramRPG

PS Thanks for introducing me to Neil Diamond