NORCROSS, GEORGIA, USA

Saying goodbye is never easy. And sometimes it's about the hardest thing in the world, as I found out on Sunday when I learned of the sudden and unexpected death of my good friend Larry Brickman. Put simply, Larry was one of the most important people in my life. So as I begin this trip, my feelings of excitement are mixed with deep sadness. Right now part of me just wants to be at home with friends and family. But at the same time, I also know that this trip will be an amazing experience, and in a way, given what's happened, I'm more determined than ever to take some chances and live my life to its fullest, leaving behind as few regrets as possible. So here goes...

NP: Genesis, "Fading Lights"