Letter from Collette

Here is the letter written by Collette, who wasn’t able to make it to the celebration, but whose words were read during story time.
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2004 4:00 PM
To: Bud
Subject: collette here
hi bud,
i just read about bill. i’m in shock, and feel farther from home than i ever have before. if you get a chance at teh memorial, would you please read this for me. thanks.
i wish more than anything i could be in town right now. i’m so homesick as it is, and would want so much to be able to be there with everyone, to give some support to sierra and roxie and all of those other wonderful people who were all so fortunate to have been in bill’s space and time.
i miss you all so much, and i can hardly believe that i will not be able to see bill’s beautiful smile again. but i will never forget it. it is in the part of my memory reserved for perfect things, where it keeps great company along with alaskan sunsets, my grandma’s hands, and the taste of salmonberries.
we are all so lucky to have had the pleasure of mr. kozlowski’s company. is there anyone (except the chanting christians and occasional republican) he didn’t make smile, legally or otherwise? we can all take great solace in the fact that he left us a legacy of happy times and inspired music. it is greater than any fortune, and will last longer than gold.
there’s so much more i want to say, and–hard as it may be to believe–words fail me.
i’ll just say this, i loved that boy, and i love every one of you here today. we are all blest to be in a place where our friendships bind us like family, and my heart is with you.
i will be raising a scotch and beer tonight (or two or three, as you well know), for one of the kindest men i’ve ever met, my friend, bill kozlowski.
there in spirit,
collette