It’s been over two years since the day when I found out that Sean had died. Two years since a week that was, at times, one of the worst and best weeks of my life. Worst because I, along with all of Sean’s family and friends, had lost a great friend. Best because of all the love shown by all those who were touched by Sean’s life. Last week, I received an unexpected package from Sean’s parents - a CD of Classic Rock songs arranged for acoustic guitar by Sean’s guitar teacher, James Kalal. Inside was a note from his parents that read, in part:

…Jim tells the story of Sean as a teenage guitar student wanting to play rock and roll on his classical guitar. Uncomfortable with the concept, Jim adapted and taught Sean a few pieces. As we listen to ‘Hotel California’, it seems as thought Sean is in the room playing. Jim says that Sean taught him something, too.

On this version of the CD, Jim has placed a simple tribute to Sean: ‘In celebration of Sean Riegler - born December 27, 1971’.

For me, the songs that make me think of Sean are “Classical Gas” and, of course, “Wish You Were Here”. I’m very touched that Sean’s parents thought to send this to me, and I wanted to share this with my friends who read this. The CD “Acoustic Rock Classics” can be ordered from James Kalal’s website.

Image from Wallpaper Cave