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At 8:00 A.M. today, Sunday, July 15, 2006, Mario Gonzalez, surrounded by his loved ones, left on his final journey into the light. As he exited, he and the Guide who had come to accompany him on his way were heard laughing together as they exchanged jokes and discussed world politics. Those who witnessed the event mentioned that he was walking tall, with his back straight and his stride wide. His arms swung rhythmically at his side. He strode through the door like the champion husband, father, family peacemaker, provider and friend that he was. After more than two years of constant pain, numerous specialists and multiple visits to the ER as well as hospitalizations, Mario is finally at peace. Thanks to the love of his wife, Maria, and his children, Tami and Albert, Mario's last days were spent at home with HOSPICE care. HOSPICE covered his pain while Maria surrounded him with love. I met Mario when I introduced the idea of the HOW DID WE GET HERE ANYWAY? SURVEY probably in 2001-2002. He wrote that he was interested in assisting me. We became fast cyberfriends. Before long we became part of the each other's family. When I think of Mario, I think of an extremely capable human being. One who willingly put himself on the line to help someone. I was just learning about computers, and he was a whiz. I can't tell you how many times he saved my hide! Also, he collected music like a child collects flowers in an open field. He was imaginative, creative and extremely intelligent. He was the peacemaker among family and friends. He was the advisor to whom others went for advice. He was a proud and caring man who dearly loved his family. That will never change. Today, the TEDDY BEAR GANG lost its second member. We celebrate the music of Mario's life! For all of us, E ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn