(photo by wm. christman)

One of my best friends passed away in his sleep one year ago today.

Tom Dowdy had a giant passion for all things food, and was always wanting to learn more. He gave of himself freely and taught me so much both in and out of the kitchen. I consider myself truly blessed to have been one of his close friends and to share a common love for food, cooking and technique. A relationship like that is worth so much more to me than any amount of riches could buy.

One year has passed. And yet today, it still seems like it was yesterday. So close, yet so far. I will continue to reach out and grasp and hold the memories and never let them go.