My dear friend Rene, I will always remember our adventures in Japan. You made Misawa so much fun. Our trips to Tokyo, Derek throwing you repeatedly into the trash bags on the sidewalks (you got your revenge! I've never laughed so hard), the kimchi Rachael's nanny made (hot!), hanging out at your apartment, learning to make stained glass together, meeting your mom when we both went back to the States. I looked for you online for years and years and now I know why I couldn't find you. I'm so sorry for all you had to endure. I've missed you for years and always will. You were a true friend. The world was lucky to have you in it. Until we meet again...love you, my friend.