I have never been so ravaged by news as I was the night I learned Judge had fallen. I daresay that I called him friend, and he me. Never before have I met his like and never again shall I, though it is not in me to quit searching.  I doubt he'd want me to anyway. It is rare for those, who have long walked this path of misgivings, to have heart and yeild without surrending. Judge did that. He understood how to show true compassion and these days that is such a rare talent. He got in your head and in your heart before you knew the why of it.

I miss him every day.

And though I miss him, I forge on, with the memory of my friend a wraith beside me.  It is my constant companion, as it should be.  To mourn is to not forget and so I encourage all of you who knew Judge to rejoice in him each day.  Our mourning shall be a celebration of a life lived fearlessly, with grace and hope and a certain charm.

We shall sing a dirge... Carry on my wayward son, there'll be peace when you are done.  Lay your weary head to rest.  Don't you cry no more... lay his tragedy to rest and remember the utter victory that he was.

Dance with me.

***To those of you who joined LA in its grief, I give you thanks.  Losing a leader and friend is hard, and I applaud you for trying to make it a little easier on the members of Chido who were left stranded.  And to my family, my friends who have stayed by my side and/or rejoined our ranks, thank you a thousand fold.  We need to keep our family together, strong and united, as Judge would have us.  Godfather Premeir and our new leader Gaius mourn as we do, the loss of a brother, and in times of great tribulation family is all one ever needs.  Loyalty above all else.  For that, I express my gratitude.***

Sheds a tear

You always were a great speaker ellie.

Rest in Peace Judge Holden.

A great speech Ellie. I never really knew Judge personally but from what I saw of him he was a great and honourable man. You have suffered a great lose.

Rest In Peace Judge you will not be forgotten

Great speech Ellie. Judge will never be forgotten in LAs hearts.

I was never one with words but I'm sure judge knows how I feel, RIP boss, and Ellie your words have lifted the blanket off my chest.

I never met the man, it appears this was my misfortune. However I wish his family and friends my deepest sympathies and respect the life the man forged for himself.

Sammy tips his hat and after a moment of silence, moves on.

RIP. I was with you for a while and so was my father. I hope your sleeping well with the angels. Taken away before your time.

What's our world coming to when a great guy like Judge gets killed? I didn't know him but from what i hear he was just that. Not only a Don but great guy... Rest in peace Judge.

very moving speech, ellie. He was lucky to have you as a friend. 

He was definitely one of a kind. R.I.P. Judge

He took me under his wing and made me feel like I had a family! The first that I have had after leaving the orphanage in england.

Seldon lifts a glass and tosses down a shot

The Judge!

Thank you all.  I appreciate your words, our common grief, more than you can understand.  Judge was a great friend and an excellent leader to serve under and beside.  We've lost a bit of magic... that I hope we can band together to regain.

If you want to read more of my thoughts about it, I have finally posted under his Funeral thread...  more of my thoughts are there.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Bless your soul J_H, guide Ellie and our new leader Gaius in this life we lead...