aquarius bendable humorist healer friend

Wynn's death came as such a surprise and shock to me, and I'm still thinking of him constantly. I guess I learned much later than most people, because Wynn and I had largely been out of touch in the past couple of years, with just an email here and there or a cup of coffee when I was in Houston. Recently, though, I'd really been wanting to see him, to catch up and share with him, and in my efforts to track him down I learned of his passing.

I had wanted to tell him of my experiences living at a Buddhist monastery, and how I had met my boyfriend the monk there. I had wanted to show him my poetry, and to tell him of my plans for the future, to learn of his plans for the future which seemed so bright back when we talked more frequently. I also wanted to show him a photo I took of an apartment complex in Austin, with a sign reading "Wynn Wood." I knew he would appreciate the humor in that.

My friendship with Wynn was amazing. We met six years ago when I was a vulnerable 16-year-old, while he was guest-teaching in my English class at Bellaire High School. He liked my essay on Existentialism, and he began to take me along to Jade Buddha temple with him. After the Dharma talk, or whatever it was we used to attend, we sometimes fetched bubble tea or vegetarian lunch or went adventuring in the crazy Hong Kong mall. He once convinced me to buy bulk incense because it was such a bargain, and I still have about 100 sticks of that incense.

Our adventures were pretty fun, because he acted just as young and insanely as me, willing to try and experience everything, and to laugh uncontrollably in public. When I would call him on the phone, he would always answer and say, "Oh Hi! you crazy girl!" After my first break up, I became very depressed for about a year, and spending time with Wynn provided relief and positive attention from a caring adult. We didn't just goof off; we had serious talks and he once told me that I would be a lot happier once I overcame the effects of teenage drama. But we did goof off a lot, and talk about boys, and our families and cats and Dr. Seuss. Sometimes he gave me insights and hints about his greater life philosophy. Sometimes I invited him along to hang out with my peers. Often they had know idea what to make of my gregarious friend.

When Wynn decided to become a Nurse, I was amazed by his decision. I admired him so much. I'm glad that I told him that before he died; I wrote him an email a couple of years ago telling him how much I look up to him.

Wynn introduced me to many things. He introduced me to Existentialism, to Buddhism in practice, to Buddhist mindfulness practice for driving. He introduced me to Johannes, the Austrian, Wynn's dear friend who I dated for about a week before he had to move back to Austria. He once tried to teach me how to bowl; it was unsuccessful. He introduced me to "Joe Versus the Volcano," which he swore was existential and to this day is one of my favorite movies.

I miss Wynn. I think of him often. I always quote Wynn when someone gives me directions and tells me to "go straight." Wynn was once driving me home and I told him to "go straight," and he said, "this car does not go straight! it only goes forward!"

I want so badly to see him again, to go on an adventure though Houston together with our Slug companion at our side, or simply to talk at Diedrich's for hours, to cuddle on his couch or hear his laughter, his calling me "crazy girl."

Wynn, the aquarius, the amazing bendable boy, the humorist and healer, my dear, dear friend.

Michael Elizabeth Zimmerman