Yesterday I learned a long-time Friend died. We met in January, 1970, while he was in Walter Reed Medical Center as a Vietnam veteran. I wrote about that here: jessandunnotis-writer.com/2015/11/11/m…
It was an extra-ordinary (sic) friendship spanning almost six decades and begun with a long walk along devastating corridors at Walter Reed. Neither of us could have guessed where our lives would lead us nor how long we would sustain our friendship.
When Janet called to tell me you were dead she apologized for “dropping this bomb”. There was no other way to say…
Even though you’re no longer on this earth, Alan, to share good conversations, laughter, talks about current events, family and all; for me, our friendship will continue until I pass over. Until we meet again…
A long time ago I promised I would write a poem trying to describe a moment in time when you were hit in Vietnam. That piece was begun, started and stopped, and begun, again, more than once. I believe I have the nut of it now. I will keep that promise.
Your race is run, Alan. Rest in eternal peace. Your memory will always be a blessing. 🙇🏼♀️🙏🏼🫶🏼🕯️
Jessan Dunn Otis|Writer 
What an amazing friendship, Jessan. Your writing conveys the depth and breadth of love and remembering with care, empathy, tenderness and an authentic voice that I continue to admire and appreciate. Thank *you*. Rogue
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Thank you, Rogue – sincerely appreciated. To say that the beginning of the friendship with Alan was unexpected and unique is an understatement. That we sustained it for almost 60 years speaks to the essential human connection we found that day in Walter Reed that neither one of us let lag or disappear. Even when there was what appeared to be long time lapses between conversations we, simply, picked up where we left off, filling in the gaps quickly and continuing from that point on. Our last meeting was just over a year ago when Alan came to Rhode Island for another visit to the VA Hospital. We met on Federal Hill for lunch. Quick catching up and lots of laughing and good conversations. He seemed more fragile, less steady; but, living can do that. The last thing we said to each other was: “I love you. See you soon.” This is a good memory.
Again, thank you, Rogue. Keep writing. Keep sharing. Carry on… ~Jessan
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