User blog comment:LordTBT/News:RIP Brian Jacques, 1939-2011/@comment-3414767-20110208230055

Goodbye, my friend, and thank you, thank you, thank you, It makes me sad to leave you upon this summer day. Don't shed a tear or cry now. Goodbye now, goodbye now. I'm sure I'll see you somehow, if I pass by this way, For seasons don't foretell Who must stay or say farewell, And I must find out what lies beyond this place. But I know deep in my heart We are never far apart While I have a mem'ry of your smiling face. Goodbye, my friend, and thank you, thank you, thank you, You kindness guides me ever as I go on my way.

Redwall has always had an impact on me since the first time I heard the story. My fourth grade teacher read us the first couple of books everyday at the end of class. I then went on to read countless others in the series. His books, especially "Martin the Warrior", have helped me through tough times in my life and I can honestly say that Martin was, and continues to be, a role model for me. Brian Jacques, I know that I speak on behalf of many of your fans when I say that you will be dearly missed, and that your stories will continue to inspire not only us, but hopefully countless generations of children in the future. I know Heaven just became a much better place now that you are there. Farewell friend.