THE WALL OF FACES

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Mary Frye – 1932

Spiffy was a legend on our block(41st St.) in Brooklyn, NY. I can see him even now with his purposeful step, bounding down the steps of his front stoop, with his trademark "Flat Top" haircut, on those glorious hot summer days in our Sunset Park neighborhood. We all looked up to Spiffy...he was a bit older and wiser than us younger guys. But If we could only duplicate his example, his compassion and bravery, we will have assured our place in heaven. God Bless you Spiffy.

I served in Viet Nam with Spiffy, as we called him. I think of him often, I received some minor wounds in the accident that took his life. I remember his humor, his love of life. He often spoke of getting married when he returned home. He even had his wedding song picked out, it was a song called "More". When I hear that song I can imagine him dancing to it with his bride.

The first day I went to kindergarten I was terrified.This big woman in black and white was taking me away from my mother. I was crying and this 5 year old came over to me and said not to cry and that we would have a lot of fun playing games. He was Anthony Abruzese. The day I got drafted I was likewise terrified and who also was drafted and came up to me at the induction center and said not to worry that everything would work out. It again was my old pal, Anthony Abruzese. I know that when I die my buddy will again be there to help me out.