A week and a half ago, on a Friday night, I received word that a good friend was brain dead. During the previous week he suffered two aortic aneurysms that resulted in his death on Saturday, February 27, 2010. I just learned of his actual passing last night, mainly because subconsciously I did not want to know more after hearing he was no longer “there.”
My friend’s name was Al Weisel. He was a freelance writer and a well-known blogger who went by the name Jon Swift. I first met Al more than 20 years ago. There were a few years in that time span that we lost touch, but we tried to meet up every six months or so to talk about writing and politics. He became my writing mentor and inspired me to start my own blog. Al was an intelligent, witty guy and an incredible writer who had interviewed many famous people.
Thanks for the friendship, Al. I’ll miss you, and may you rest in peace.
So sorry to hear you lost a very good friend. I’m here if you need me to talk or give you a hug Phil
because I love you very, very much!!
Oh, Phil, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend and mentor. I wish you much peace at this time and hope that you find yourself to be a comfort to others grieving his loss as you, too, are comforted by friends and loved ones. Hold on tight to those memories of your conversations with him. There is something so special and healing when one day- out of the blue- you find yourself remembering a moment the two of you shared, that you had completely forgotten about up until then.
With a big hug, I send you many blessings!
~Anna
Sorry about the loss of your longtime friend. I’m glad he inspired you to blog. May he rest in peace.
Phil, your friend was a lovely person and I am so glad you had the opportunity to share some special moments with him. I think it is wonderful that he continues to inspire you on your path as a writer. I am sorry for your loss. You are a fantastic human being. all my love.