Hey, Charlie.

It’s been a year since you died and I’ve got to say that I am still pretty pissed off about it. What were you thinking? That we could handle everything without you? With you dying just before summer? Jeez, bro. You were too important to me and a lot of us to leave us this early in your life. We had plans, man!

Well, fortunately for us, you had generated just enough momentum and supporters at East Jesus during the five or so years since you started it that we barely squeaked through the summer without the place being gutted by scavengers. It wasn’t easy, though. Thanks to your hand-picked board of directors and volunteers that were willing to stay there during the scorching summer, East Jesus survived. But although your creation was protected, it was not thriving — even deteriorating a bit. The summer caretakers had never met you, and therefore, were clueless about the purpose and potential of this art oasis in the desert.

Right about Christmas, I think, things turned a seriously amazing corner, and the trajectory of awesome accelerated. Now there are more visitors, donations, media attention than you could possibly stand. You would have hated it. People showing up from all over, sticking cameras in your face. Probably just as well you don’t have to endure your project getting famous. There is also more art being created all the time. You would have loved it. The bottle wall is getting huge. Talented visiting artists are donating to the sculpture garden. It’s looking better than ever.

Well, Charlie, I just thought you should know that this last year would have been a lot more fun with you still here. But, since you are gone, I want you to know that East Jesus is in good hands. You made good thing and we are doing our best to make more art and keep the bad thing away. Thanks for getting this magical art environment started and for bring all of us together. We miss you.

Your friend,
Royce