*cough* *cough*

Here’s my new email signature at work:

So the other day, the Creative Department here at work had an ice cream sundae treat. We were all gathered around chatting and I forget what prompted it, but I made a seemingly hilarious “kid with no arms” joke. One of the production people then related a heartwarming story about her adopted Ukrainian nephew who’d had his arms amputated and about what an inspiration he is to all those around him.

I probably should have felt guilty for telling a “kid with no arms” joke, but I didn’t because “kid with no arms” jokes are HILARIOUS! But that’s not the point of this diatribe.

The following weekend, one of the designers was walking down the street talking rather loudly with a friend about her fear of telling inappropriate jokes. The designer related my tale only to be rebuffed with, “SHHHH! The children in that house have no arms.” My co-worker wouldn’t have believed her friend had there not been, playing in the front yard, children with no arms.

As some of you may know, a vital quarter of the Curious People for a Curious America family was lost to us this weekend.  Lost to us in a tragic move to Boulder, Colorado.

What does this mean for the future of Curious America?  I don’t know.  Right now I’d just like to take the time to remember Jeremy.  Rest in peace, Jeremy… in your bed in Boulder.