Dear Arnie

                  Well Arnie, here I sit trying to write you a letter and I don't know what to say. I have written one letter
             like this before to Don, but his was easy, yours not so much. I do wish to say I am sorry for not seeing
             you at the hospital. But instead I chose to remember you as you were, that talkative; old fart who is
             always doing out at the legion.

                  We have been through a lot together. Just when Jan and I were starting our relationship with Post 192
             you came into our lives, and we became fast friends. We would just sit and talk for hours on Friday
             nights, you doing most of it, if I remember correctly. We soon became a part of each other's family. I
             would have been happy if our friendship was limited to just that, but alas, you decided to start dating.
             From then on the subjects of our talks were centered mostly about our dates. As I recall it was always
             you talking and Jan and I listening. Thank God, you limited these conversations to the G rated parts of
             your dates. Then came Miriam, and you were smitten and our talks became shorter and farther in
             between. When you announced your engagement to Miriam, Jan and I could not have been happier for
             you. You asked me to provide your wedding meal. I felt honored and also glad I would be able to attend
             your wedding and not have to get dressed up for it. Jan and I were with you when you lost your son Hal.
             We have always hoped our presence somehow made his loss a little easier for you.

                  You were with me during those five years as I rose from Chaplain to Commander. You supported me all
             the way. We even formed a partnership to handle the post finances when no one else would do it. You
             would handle the day to day paperwork and I would do the end of the month report. Then after seven
             years as an officer of both the legion as well as district, I stood down as an active member. Now, I have
             come to regret that decision. For you see that was five years lost, never to be regained. I missed your's
             and Miriam's rise to become one of the most renowned legion family members in the State of Georgia.
             When I returned to the legion with the Riders, you were there by my side once again. You supported my
             quest in establishing a riders group. Once established you became endeared to all of the members.
             Since your departure, they have come together to support Miriam in the difficult times she will be facing
             and declare their feelings of the loss of your smile and the many kind words.

                  As I sit and write this letter, I have been thinking about how I would describe you. The terms
             character, outspoken, and one of a kind all come to mind. Then it hits me. For you see Arnie, the best
             and only way for me to describe you is that you were my friend and I will truly miss you.

                  God speed Arnie Stein.


                  Your Legionaire Brother,

                  Ed

                  P.S. Writing this letter wasn't as hard as I thought.