What you missed by leaving early

Dear Dan,

I've been watching movies and thinking about the bits you would have loved. Then I started thinking about other things you missed in other areas.

Here are some tings you missed by leaving early:
I think you would have loved the Obama campaign -- primary through election. Some of the things that have happened since -- stalling and dragging of feet by the opposing Party --  would have made you as crazy as it's making me, but I know you would love this man's grace under pressure.

Monsters vs. Aliens -- The president playing "Axel F" from Beverly Hills Cop. Steven Colbert as the president, Link, Dr. Cockroach and B.O.B would have had you rolling on the floor.

Avatar -- You would have been in love with the visuals as much as I.

Alice -- Another film and 3-D you would have flipped over. The rumor about HP - Deathly Hallows 3-D would have you pondering.

Ahmadinejad's trip to Columbia and his statement. 'Nough said.

I think you would be proud of mom and me, dealing with some of the things we've dealt with since you've been gone. I think you would be happy with how we've handled the apartment.

You would be very excited about Mac technology -- including the iPad.

And e-books. We would have had some good discussions about the technology.

I think you would be pleased to see the photos of the technique I was talking to you about -- the way we can possibly blend our crafts and talents.

You left the party too soon, my brother. Way too soon.

I love you, Danno.

Harry Potter

Dear Dan,

I am waiting for the new Harry Potter movie and of course thinking of you. The very last conversation I had with you was about Order of the Phoenix. As usual we were describing scenes to each other again. You had seen it the weekend before, as had I. We talked about the scene in the Hall of Prophecies. I described it to you as "my IKEA nighmare." You knew exactly what I was talking about.

That was also the weekend my copy of "Deathly Hallows" arrived. I took that Monday off so I could read the book and work on a shower gift for a woman in the office. We talked about the book a little.

After your death, I received your phone. Brian had shipped it to me along with some other items. I read through your text messages. I'm not sure who you were talking to about "Deathly Hallow" but you asked about the lines at the store and if Harry lived.

He did ... you did not. And you knew at the time that you would not.

I love you and miss you more and more every day. This just isn't getting any easier.

Peace and as always, I love you, bro.