An old picture

 While cleaning out my office I came across an old picture at, what Bern thinks, was a New Year's Eve party at the Gary Country Club.

There are 10 people--young people--sitting around a table. Five men and five women.

Three of the five men are now dead.

L. committed suicide in his late 20's.

K. died of a heart attack over a decade ago.

J. died of aids before he was 30.

The only 2 men who still live are Bern's cousin, A., and me.

I don't know about the women, but I'm rather sure they're all alive.

But a pretty somber picture.

Three of my friends no longer with us.

And I am a survivor.

Deeply, profoundly sad.