Goodbye To An Old Friend

​It is a beautiful and crisp December morning here in Atlanta. It is the kind of morning that makes you feel good to be alive when you walk outside, look into the sky, breathe the chilly air and upon exhale watch your breath fade quickly out of sight. One second it is there and the next it is gone. I was outside this morning meditating on those thoughts, pondering my own problems and filling my heart with gratitude for the day when I heard that I had lost an old friend during the night. My heart sank and my eyes filled with tears when I heard of the passing of Stan ‘The Man’ Bowen. I have known Stan for well over 20 years or more, ever since the beginning and initial success of A1A. Looking back there was rarely a performance, convention, phlocking or get together we played where Stan wasn’t onstage with us sometime during the evening. From the very first time I met Stan and we got to know each other I realized what a kind, gentle, caring and authentic soul he was. We shared many good times, laughs, drinks and music over the years. I will miss him. Stan had a rare uniqueness about him that I don’t see much of these days. He was a friend to all with a big heart, big spirit and a contagious smile. As sad as it is to lose Stan during the Christmas season I feel in a way it is appropriate. It is a time to celebrate life, birth and new beginnings. Stan has been reborn and is celebrating the season much better than we are able to at the moment. May this thought bring his friends and family some sort of peace and comfort in the days to come.
​
Jeff

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