I'm not sure how this news has escaped my attention until now, but I have been wondering for a while, what had happened to my friend. I thought it odd that he had suddenly stopped posting and reviewing, but although his absence was noticeable, I was always expecting him to return. The one thing that never seemed to cross my mind was the very logical but heartbreaking truth which I have just been reading on this blog. I have read every post, starting with his own carefully worded explanation in December and the initial messages of support to the warm tributes to a talented writer who clearly had so much more to offer. Skinny began posting his '18 weeks' story at the same time as my own and he became my first friend on this site. We would review each other's chapters and even share ideas. He was always helpful, friendly, and available for advice, which proved valuable at the time and is now sorely missed. His story easily eclipsed mine, and I was never able to keep pace with him, although I never really expected to. I will miss Skinnydragon for his wonderful work, his regular reviews, and honest advice which were always delivered with a touch of humour, a lot of feeling, and a great deal of class.        

Started reading some of the tributes and had to stop. Not easy to read when my eyes are full of tears so it may take me a while to get through all of them. Thanks to @Lisa and @AC Benus and to all who contributed. Miss ya, Dave!

@craftingmom  It was nice to get a glimpse of Kye and the book topic was perfect for SkinnyDragon.  

@ColumbusGuy I loved you dragon story and I can see the boys entwined and happy, just the way I wish for CG and SD.   

@craftingmom I read your chapter yesterday, and I was able to smile through my tears. It was so amazing to read about Ash and Kye again.  And I agree with Tim, the prompt was perfect for Skinny.  

@Carlos Hazday you weren't the only one who had to take a break buddy.  I'm slowly working my way through all of them.  Everyone had such awesome stuff to say about Skinny.  

I had to stop reading, I was crying so much. 

Heya Ricky,

A haiku attempt: love untouchable

I reach for the stars

Your beauty touches my heart

Drifting, worlds apart

Be blessed man

INCENSE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Before your Remembering Stone

I softly here kneel

I am detached but not alone

I deeply do feel

Within my quivering hand there is

A scented symbol

A sweet offering before his

starkly etched sigil

One mere stick wrapped in blackest coal

A wand of Incense

When once lit works to seek your soul

beyond death's black fence

My love rises on scented smoke

A holy sweet perfume

That this Incense seeks to invoke

Your life beyond this tomb

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I can't believe it's been a year... I miss you Skinny.  

6 minutes ago, Drew Espinosa said:

I can't believe it's been a year... I miss you Skinny.  

Skinny made a big impact on this site, had a lot of friends and left a gaping hole when he left. No one seems to know exactly what happened in the end, which hasn't helped, but you're right Drew, he is still missed.

His legacy will live on with his remarkable writing, and in the ones who remember and speak of him.

48 minutes ago, BlindAmbition said:

His legacy will live on with his remarkable writing, and in the ones who remember and speak of him.

Yes, both his stories and the comments he left on other people's stories will be treasured forever. Thank you, @Drew Espinosa for remebering this anniversary, even though it's a sad one. 

...365 days and how my heart has broken anew on each and every one of them.

Requiem in pace aeternam, amico meo

And you are still gone.

Your place at the table remains

We miss your voice and your songs

Your colours are muted.

Our memory of you shines on,

Like dragon scales in the sun

3 hours ago, AC Benus said:

...365 days and how my heart has broken anew on each and every one of them.

 

Requiem in pace aeternam, amico meo

 

 

1 hour ago, Mikiesboy said:

And you are still gone.

Your place at the table remains

We miss your voice and your songs

Your colours are muted.

Our memory of you shines on,

Like dragon scales in the sun

Thank you both for these remembrances of Skinny. I miss him, still. 

1 hour ago, Mikiesboy said:

And you are still gone.

Your place at the table remains

We miss your voice and your songs

Your colours are muted.

Our memory of you shines on,

Like dragon scales in the sun

That's so beautiful, Tim. 

We will always miss Ricky and what he brought to GA: his friendship, his stories, his knowledge, and his love. They will all live on in our memories of him.

Wherever Ricky is, he knows we are thinking of him, today and always.

At age 20, I’ve lost a father, a brother and two grandfathers; you’d think I’m immune to loss. I didn’t even know Skinnydragon, but this makes me hurt in ways that i last felt when I lost my brother. 

Funny how someone you never knew can break your heart.

3 minutes ago, AugustusWaters said:

At age 20, I’ve lost a father, a brother and two grandfathers; you’d think I’m immune to loss. I didn’t even know Skinnydragon, but this makes me hurt in ways that i last felt when I lost my brother. 

 

Funny how someone you never knew can break your heart.

i dont think you are ever immune to loss ... and that you feel the pain of his loss shows me kind of person you are   

tim

I'm still a newbie in GA, and since English is not my mothertongue, I don't publish here. But I read a lot, really a lot. Some days ago, I found "18 Weeks of Twoey". That was my first binge reading experience. I'm sad to hear that the creator of this wonderful story is deceased.

May he rest in peace.