May You Rest in Peace, Berke. You Were the Best Neighbor, and Friend, Anyone Could Ask For. You Will Be Sorely Missed.

In loving memory of Berke Erku.  We sure miss you...now, and forever.  Wish you were here.

 

Dear Berke,

It's raining today in New York City.  Tears of sadness and grief for your passing so soon.  Though I didn't know you for very long, from the day you moved in, we quickly became close friends.  Two peas in an East Village pod.  Remember I used to joke that we were like the neighbors from that Tim Allen show, Home Improvement, where we spoke to each other through the fence but never actually saw each other?  But that was not entirely true.  We spent more time together over the past 7 months than I can count.  Enough time to consider you a close and dear friend.  Which is why I, along with your friends and family, are overcome with grief to learn of your tragic death in Amsterdam.

Berke, you were the best neighbor, and friend, a girl could ask for.  The nicest person around, always willing to help someone out.  You were a shoulder to cry on, to laugh with and just an all around fantastic person.  And will be sorely missed.

Although I'm sure you're somewhere up there, partying with Steve Jobs and God on their iClouds,in the sky don't forget our roof, OK?  And visit us once in a while up there, if you're still hanging around.  You're always welcome, which I'm sure you already know.  In the meantime, don't forget the church across the street that used to wake us up every Sunday morning with church bells loud enough to raise the dead.  Don't forget the boys and girls club next to your apartment that you could ridiculously hear basketball games through your wall.  Don't forget my blog party, and the fact that your favorite part of the whole night was my Trader Joe's tomatoes.  Don't forget that joke you played on me afterwards by calling pretending to be the police, demanding $2,000 for a noise violation citation in that horrible Boston accent.  Remember, how I fell for it hook, line and sinker?  Almost gave me a heart attack, but hilarious, nonetheless.  And last but not least, don't forget me.  Cause I sure won't forget you.

Berke, do you remember one of the last conversations we had (via text)? It went something like this: I wrote: "how are you?" And you said: "god" (typo for good).  Then I wrote: "what a coincidence, I'm god too." And you said: "Good.  I only speak to the divine."  Well, Berke, now you do.  I hope you're networking it up with all those Gods and Goddesses up there, chatting it up with the divine.  And we hope you're having a fantastic time, just like you always did here on earth.  Doesn't make missing you any easier, though.  Sucks. It really does.  More than words can describe, actually...But we will try to carry on in your place.  Wipe those tears away and eat Icee Pops in your honor.  I might even get them delivered, just like you...

We wish you were still here with us, Berke.  We really do.  Until we meet again, my dear friend...May the good lord, shine a light on you...warm, like the evening sun.




PS. I have your plant. Matt gave it to me, so please haunt him if you have any issues with me taking over it's care :)  I will keep it alive in your honor, my friend.  It's on my balcony now...same spot you had it.  Should feel right at home...