Dear Paul,

I already miss you so much.

I will miss the presence of you in this world.

The world was a better place with you in it.

I only came to know you in the last five years, but you so quickly gained my respect and admiration. I feel honored to have met a man like you.

I came to you in the purpose of editing your manuscript, and I am so grateful for the chance to have gotten to know you and learn about your life. How happy I was to see your manuscript finally published and your story told.

You were a man of true character and graciousness and wisdom.

To know all that you faced and the choices you made in very awful circumstances, it was humbling and inspiring. I will miss terribly receiving your e-mails and all your thoughtful insights.

You loved and lived powerfully and the impact of your spirit will stay with me for all my life, in all my decision-making and when I am facing tough times. I believe the experience of knowing you has already made me a better human being and mother.

We have all lost someone remarkable today and my heart aches. But, like many I'm certain, I will think of you often and smile. We didn't agree about heaven, but I believe if anyone is there, my friend, it is YOU.

Thank God for you, dear Paul.

It was a total honor,

Tara Smith
[Editor of But We Said "NO"]