Dear friend

You loved to laugh. You sucked it in 

as if you never wanted to stop. You clung 

to laughter like you wanted to keep it forever, but 

you passed it out to us in contagious doses. No one was safe 

from your generous grin. Wide and welcoming, your smile 

swallowed your eyes, flooding your face. 

--

Your ways were simple:

Strong hands, gentle eyes, big heart. 

We miss you, dear friend. 

--

I lost a dear friend today. His laughter has been ringing in my brain all evening and I think that's exactly how he would want it. 

Goodbye, Roland. I'll miss your smiling face and silly jokes. I am so blessed to have called you my teacher and my friend. 

Love, 

Marybeth