The EPILOGUE

 David Andrew Quinn 1957-2023

Today the last chapter of The Book of Dave is completed.  Like any great read, this one was hard to put down. We had to know what each new chapter had in store. The plot development, the characters who AWL revolved around the protagonist's life were all so different and interesting. The protagonist shined his light upon their lives and enriched them with hope, enthusiasm and his clever humor.

Like any well written and suspenseful story we as an audience want more of the protagonist's adventures and plots. Selfishly we want this character to live on and continue to entertain and comfort us with his unconditional friendship. I can think of one wonderful story that if sequels were made it would ruin the pure magic of its initial impact. Think of "On the Waterfront" the movie; would another film that begins with the dock workers back to work be as interesting? When Terry Malloy walks into that dock warehouse it is the end of the film promising a new way of life for the Hoboken dock workers.

The best thing that books and stories offer to give a glimpse into the future life of a character or their impact on their environs is an Epilogue.

YES! The Book of Dave has and Epilogue. His memory and personality, humor and that smile will continue in our lives. It will come to us when we are washing the dishes, driving down the road or at work. We will think of how Dave made our lives more complete, first by him accepting us into his world as friends and colleagues; secondly, that he did it so seamlessly like magic with his humor and ability to make us laugh at life. He opened his heart to accept you unconditionally, no strings attached. His social skills were remarkable and envious, but never false.

I can remember a night in college when we were in our beds, lights out and talking. The subject of death came up in an interesting way. WE both decided that we would not make it past the age of 50. We would pass on like one of those characters in a 19th Century Romantic Novel. You know, the guy who is very passionate about some activity in life and dies while doing it. WE laughed and laughed about that--we were young and life was full, nothing to fear, just dive head first no matter the risk. Although Dave would spend about and hour calculating the risk factors humorously. I almost fulfilled our late night discussion at age 49. My time was not to end, I had more to do and create in my life. I am thankful for it. I look at the end of "Todd being Todd" as a good life. I have been so blessed in my walk upon this earth!

So for those who will feel the "sting of death" and grief, remember something Dave said to you that was loving, wise and above all funny. This will assist you in writing your own Epilogue of dealing with the loss of a Husband, Father, Brother, Friend, Colleague and Teacher. I am sure He had hope that we would continue to have fun in our lives and prosper knowing that he had made a difference in our growth. He was my BEST Friend unconditionally.

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of Angels sing thee to they rest."