Dear Bob,
I apologize for the delay in writing this letter to you and request your understanding. Sid and I were as close as brothers.
We shared with each other a large part of our lives during medical school and to some extent afterward. I often reflect upon how important Sid was. He will remain so as long as I live.
Although I do not consider myself a religious person, I acknowledge undefinable events and forces that shape and influence the courses of our lives. These have operated in the friendship that his ended, and will continue to operate in my memories of a friendship that made my life a better one than would have been the alternative.
My very best wishes to you and your family.
John K. Shirey
aka “Jack”