Last week, my old friend Montel from Juneau, Alaska did just what I did in July of this year - she came to my house to spend a week with myself, my friends - and my family. And just like when I was in Alaska - it is now time for her to leave.

As I write this, Montel is at the airport waiting to board the plane that will begin her journey back home. As I said goodbye to her this morning, I was very sad that I once again had to say farewell to such a good friend. For the second time in our lives, we spent a week in each other's company enjoying a good time - the only difference this time was that Montel came to Brooklyn instead of me going to Alaska. And now - the fun is over - and she is on her way home.

When she arrived here in Brooklyn, she received a very warm reception from my friends just as I did when I arrived in Alaska. And from the moment she set foot in my house - she was one of the Crew - just like I was in Alaska. All of my friends immediately accepted her and welcome her into our Crew with open arms, which was the same reception that I received. And whether we were out doing something, having a killer party - or just sitting around - Montel was a welcome edition to the crowd.

Now that she has been here and I have been there, I noticed many similarities in our lives despite the fact that we live such completely different lifestyles in such completely different places. Both of us seem to have a very close collection of friends that we look to for comfort, happiness - and enjoyment. Both of us try to live our lives to the fullest and make the most of the time we have - and now - both of us have become such good friends that we have each flown four thousand miles to each other's homes to share in each other's lives - and I am very happy about that.

As the time drew near for Montel to leave - it appeared that I was not the only one who was sorry to see Montel go. From Bob and Arthur, Montel's fellow conventioneers, to my mom, to my friends - to Christine - everyone was very upset that Montel was leaving - and wanted her to once again extend her ticket and stay a little longer. But unfortunately - all good things must come to an end.

I know this will not be the last time that I see Montel in my lifetime - but I know that it will be quite some time before we are in the same room again. And until that time, I will cherish both the time I shared with her and her Crew in Alaska in July - and the time she shared with me and my Crew her in Brooklyn. Montel is a terrific person and someone who I am honored to call friend. I want to thank her publicly for coming here at such a crucial time in our lives and not backing down to fear. I also want to thank her for giving me just what I needed right now - a distraction from existence. I shall truly miss her and the fun we had while she was here - and I will have a very hard time filling the now empty seat at my bar. But I take solace in the fact that someday - I will see her again.

Safe trip home Montel - I miss you already.