From Henry Staley

It’s getting a little bit easier to come to terms with Augie being in the new place and form that he’s in. I’m hoping that this is the same for others in this community. 

For me, this just means I can now take a seat in a nice memory of Augie, talk to him and it’s just pleasant, warm and loving. For several moments, there’s no pain or longing. Until it comes back and I miss him again. 

I’ve learned several things about Augie from reflecting on certain phrases he’d repeat. I’m sure you all have these echoing in your head as well: the trademark way he’d say “duuuude!!” or “No, man!” or “c’mon!” when he’d be laughing at you/reacting to what you say/encouraging you to think about things differently. Whenever he felt that you were trapping yourself in negative thought patterns, or being ridiculous or just wrong about something, he’d repeat these phrases as sort of a loving way to be like “you’re good! Chin up homie!” It occurs to me that sometimes he could see others beating up on themselves or getting in the way of themselves and he’d identify with that experience. And he hated to see it in others because he’d go to those places himself sometimes. So he’d do his best to try to get you to snap out of it. He’d start with these phrases then eloquently explain why it’s not wise to think of things that way. And he was really, really good at cheering others up or trying to steer you towards a positive outlook.

Augie was really soulful because of how much hardship he’d gone through with his mental health, how much rough stuff he’d seen in the sober community. And it made him so understanding and so nice to connect with. Laughing with him was one of the most incredible experiences. Since he was so funny and you’d find yourself laughing at things he’d say so often, it felt like an honor to share in laughter about something together. Whenever I’d get back to Piedmont, I’d call up Augie because I knew he’d be up late and we could go drive somewhere together. We’d catch up for a bit and, whenever he’d laugh, I knew I was back home. 

It’s been a bit more than five months since he passed. And looking back, I’m really proud of him for how mature and considerate he was in leaving everybody with good thoughts/nice last messages. I found a group chat where his last contribution is “Love you man!” Whenever thinking about him gets rough, I try to think about the fact that he did this, tied up his loose ends and left us with love. He did this for both us and himself I’m sure, as a tribute. 

I miss him so much. I’m so thankful I got to spend so much time, so many years with him. I love him and I hope he’s doing okay out there. I’m sure he’s joking around, making those around him wiser and merrier.

Thank you so much to the Berl family for putting this together. To the Grahns for organizing and being there for us. And to everyone that’s shared photos and memories. Much love.