It was exactly two years ago this weekend when I wrote about a going-away party at a friend’s gorgeous house, with loads of food and drink and great people all around. Here. It was our friend, Larry, who in so many ways, was larger than life. He was the center of a universe and everything revolved around him.
I will always remember him like this picture: 
He’s here, carrying a tray of our specially-made Eastsides, the down and dirty version of Southsides. He knew I made up the recipe and asked me to mix it up in huge batches for the party.
A few months after this party, Larry was badly injured during a shooting while he was sitting on his front steps. Some drifter didn’t like what Larry had said or done, and shot him and another friend, who died. Here.
As often as I say that Baltimore’s not just The Wire, sometimes it is. A year and a half after being shot, Larry has died. He struggled so hard, had uncountable surgeries, spent months and months in hospital, was cared for by a team who visited with him long after he’d left their care, and was loved by more people than he will ever know.
His murderer is scheduled to go to trial later this month, now for a double murder. I am not a good enough person to forgive this man. Not at this point in time.
It is all that I can hope that Larry’s love and friendship continues to echo through the universe and that he will be remembered by all as the wonderful man that I was lucky enough to know.
Meg,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad for you. I remember you original posts but didn't realize your friend was still struggling with the aftermath.
Such a random and brutal act. So sad. My sympathies. M.
ReplyDeleteI remember when you wrote about the shooting incident, and I was hopeful your friend would make a full recovery. So sorry for your loss!
ReplyDeleteKat
How very sad. I too remember your original post about the shooting. I don't remember you saying whether he was ever going to recover fully, so I hope this is a blessing, however unpalatable at this juncture.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there's a person left in America who is not touched by gun crime? Clearly the majority think it's an acceptable level of violence, which as a non American I always find strange.
My condolences to you.
Hello Meg, This is appalling news about your friend Larry. The gun and violence culture in the U.S. has truly gotten out of hand, and it is a double shame when those who do the most to benefit an urban neighborhood are thus attacked.
ReplyDelete--Jim
I'm so sorry. I've wondered how Larry was healing. This is sad news.
ReplyDeleteMeg, how very tragic. I am sorry for all of the pain this horrid act of violence has caused and for the loss of your dear friend whom was obviously very well loved.
ReplyDeleteSending you love and hugs. What a senseless shooting. And what an awful way to lose a friend. I can't imagine how you deal with the pain and sorrow, I guess one day at a time. Though that seems to offer little solace, it's all I know to offer. That and the virtual hug.
ReplyDeleteStay strong.
xo J
Meg, This is so heartbreaking. I hope you will find the strength to deal with this tragedy. This is another loss for our whole community.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to imagine losing a friend this way. My condolences to you, his family and friends.
ReplyDeleteMeg, It is so hard to loose those that we love. Sending you and all those that love (the present tense) Larry many prayers during this period of grief.
ReplyDeleteSending love,
Mary
Meg, I am so sorry for the loss of your cherished friend Larry. I remember when that senseless shooting happened but never knew that he was still struggling to be alive ...really sad! Your post is a wonderful tribute to this man.
ReplyDeleteI don't have the proper words but just am so sorry to hear of this. Condolences to his family and friends and wishing everyone extra strength during the coming weeks as it will be difficult for all this to be relived. I hope there is some sort of justice...
ReplyDeleteI have wondered how your friend was doing. I am so very sorry to hear of his death. I fear for America's lust for guns and the lack of reverence for life. Do know your writing, sending out your love for your friend is not wasted in the void of cyberspace. This death rattles home.
ReplyDeleteMeg, am so sorry. Another life lost to needless gun violence. May he be lifted up on angel's wings.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you. - Mary Alice
Meg, so sorry to hear about your friend. What a tragedy. There are just no words. Sending you hugs and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMeg, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for sharing your memories of him and lovely tribute. You are in my prayers. N.G.
ReplyDeleteA LOSS OF A FRIEND IS ALWAYS SO VERY DIFFICULT. THIS LOSS WAS PREMATURE AND EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH. MAY YOUR FRIEND REST IN PEACE AND MAY YOU LIVE IN PEACE WITH HIS BEAUTIFUL MEMORY.
ReplyDeleteMY CONDOLENCES, REBECCA R. DYER
I WILL ADD A COMMENT ON GUN OWNERSHIP. I AM A WOMAN, LIVE ALONE, HAVE A GUN AND WILL USE IT. WE MUST ADDRESS THE ISSUES THAT CONTINUE TO GET PUSHED ASIDE -- CRIME AND MENTAL HEALTH. RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP IS NOT THE ISSUE -- CRIMINALS WILL ALWAYS HAVE WEAPONS. A CRITICAL REVIEW AND UPDATING OF OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS LONG OVERDUE. AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES CANNOT CONTINUE TO BE IGNORED. SOME INDIVIDUALS SIMPLY DO NOT BELONG IN THE PUBLIC WHERE THEY HARM THEMSELVES AND OTHERS.
ReplyDeleteMeg - I am so sorry for your loss. I remember reading both posts about your dear friend. xoxo a.
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