This past weekend, I went to Boston to gather with friends for a memorial to one of our fallen comrades. Our friend Paul passed away last April from a rare and virulent cancer. He had a very specific request about his memorial, which I will explain. But, before I explain, I need to take a step back and “set the table.”

There is a Science Fiction and Fantasy convention called Arisia. The Arisia organization was founded in 1989. It is a non-profit, entirely volunteer run organization. Many of my friends in the New England and Middle Atlantic regions have been attending the annual convention since the first one. The convention is always held on the weekend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s holiday, and it is the largest in New England.

These kinds of events are really not for me, but, I have attended a few times, mainly to connect with my friends. The running joke is, “Tim is attending Arisia, but will not be attending Arisia.” It was during my second visit, in 1999, that I met Paul. That also was the last time I attended.

Returning to the present, Paul asked that his memorial be at a “rocket fuel” party, hosted by my friend John. I cannot really explain rocket fuel, other than, it lives up to its moniker. As Paul was a Marine, Taps was played, toasts were given, and Paul was overseeing the event in his urn. Beverages, insolence, and merriment ensued, which is exactly what Paul would have wanted.

The convention itself is a pretty amazing mixture of controlled chaos, costumes, art, and mingling. In the end, it is fun. Some of the photos below hopefully do some justice to the costume work. This year I did more Arisia activities than in my previous visits. I have to say that a little of it still goes a long way for me. Again, the overriding purpose for me is always to reconnect with friends, old and new.

I have been coming to Boston on and off for years, since my first visit in 1975 on a family vacation. I love Boston. While Chicago is my home, and always be my favorite city, Boston is right up there. The food, the history, and the ease to get around it (as long as you are not driving) all make it one of the best cities in the USA. I took the opportunity to escape from the convention and explore, as I always do when I come here. In two days, Saturday and Sunday, I covered nearly 14 miles on foot. And along the way, since arriving Friday afternoon, I visited some of my favorite places, for food and drink. The Green Dragon Tavern is a place I always visit when I come here- “The Headquarters Of The Revolution.” Paul Revere and some of the Sons of Liberty would meet there before and during the Revolution. The atmosphere, the chowder and the beer. Enough said. During the weekend, my friend Elizabeth introduced me to some of her favorite spots, and they all were top notch. And, the culinary wanderings ended appropriately last night, at the world famous Mike’s Pastry for cannolis.

I am fortunate that I was able to attend the memorial for Paul. It seemed that, toward the end of 2016, circumstances were conspiring against me. But, it came together, and I will forever be grateful that I made it. All of us who attended needed that time Saturday evening. Since the middle of 2015, it seems that we all have only gotten together to say goodbye to someone. This needs to change. I intend to return in the summer, and, with as many as who can join me, just have fun. We also need this.