finally, here is my bit to you, sixth guns.
(typed format under the cut, just in case)
I want to offer you a few words. That is the only talent I feel I have—using words—yet, I lost them all for a while.
If I were to describe Reita and my love for him, I would be duplicating everything that has already been said, by the rest of the band and the rest of you. Besides, you all know him in your hearts, and those words don't exist either way.
So, I want to speak to you, sixth gun, because you will hear me. Your despair is only as true and large as your love was. Don't let anyone take that from you. What you had was real; the love existed and it was a pillar of something far greater than music. The sacred exchange of emotion through art is the very foundation of every human soul. The GazettE, Reita, have put an immeasurable amount of effort, heart, passion and energy into it—for 22 years of his life. Rest assured, he never regretted it.
And still, to us, to them, it is more than music itself. It is lifelong kinship and family; the majority of you have met your friends, partners, and found family among fellow sixth guns. Many of you have had the course of your life impacted by them, whether to seek a foreign country and foreign language or pursue music. Artists and writers, you have found inspiration every day in Reita. And that is not in vain. The love is real.
Reita uplifted the spirit of his bandmates and his fans and I am pretty certain that he would be sad if nobody picked up this mission of his.
In Ruki's words: stand by my side. We quote him: you have my word.
The sheer solidity of the GazettE and sixth guns for being able to come to each other's aid at this moment is a testament to the bond that is being tested in a way we never wanted to experience. But we do stand firm because we’ve had great mentors to teach us this resilience. This connection is no thin thread but a rope; the GazettE's devotion is made of stone that Reita had helped build—so please, rest on it.
Believe me that one day, you will think of him with joy and without tears. But not today. Today, we sit in darkness. Don't keep your heart from shedding whatever number of tears it is holding. Don't be afraid of your grief because our foundation can take much, much more than that, for it is a foundation that came to be under Reita's hands, too. Let this gaping hole empty so that every corner can be filled with love.
Then, tomorrow, come back to the light.
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Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB). “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
“Jesus’ Enduring Presence” by In Touch Ministries:
“The Savior who died for you will stay by you.”
“Life can feel like a complicated puzzle sometimes, with lots of uncertainties and challenges. But here’s the good news: Jesus tells us in today’s passage that He’s always with us, no matter what. His presence is like a reliable compass, guiding us in the right direction as we navigate the twists and turns of life.
Experiencing God’s presence isn’t just about attending church each week or being part of a monthly Bible study group; it’s a daily thing. As we consistently draw close to Him, He draws near to us (James 4:8).
If you’ve ever had a trustworthy friend who was faithful to walk with you in tough times, you know just how invaluable such companionship can be. And Jesus is the greatest and most loving friend we could ever have—guiding, comforting, and giving us strength. In His presence, we can find peace, courage, and the assurance that we’re never alone.
Take the words of Matthew 28:20 to heart. As we go through life, remember that Jesus is always there. Whether things are going well or not, in the everyday and the extraordinary moments, His presence is our constant. He’s with us always, even to the end of the age.”
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Leo & Donnie: Why are you guys still here?
Raph (drinking tea): What do you mean?
Leo: I thought you two would have left for that family retreat by now.
Mikey: Oh that? (sips tea) That was a set up.
Donnie: Set…up?
Raph: How else were we supposed to get the two of you to talk?
Leo: …wait…you mean we spent the whole day avoiding you guys…
Donnie: Hanging out…talking…bonding…
Leo & Donnie: OVER NOTHING!?
Mikey: See? It worked like a charm.
————-
(Later)
Leo: That was so not fair!
Donnie: I can’t believe I fell for that.
Leo:…but…in a weird way…
Leo & Donnie: I kinda respect it.
————
(Part 2 of this)
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[on "The Recognition Scene"] "This takes its title from something that happens in Greek tragedy. Uh, you know, there's a moment in a Greek tragedy where everybody on the stage realizes that they're totally fucked, right? There's this moment where everybody thinks they've been acting independently and just deciding what they were gonna do. And then, then they all look at each other, it's, like, this great moment, where, you know, Antigone looks at Creon and Creon looks at Antigone, and both of them realize it's all going to come to no goddamn good no matter what anybody says." - John Darnielle, 07/02/03, The Guinguette Pirate, Paris.
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“Five Good Things” by Our Daily Bread:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” —Psalm 107:1
“According to research, people who are intentionally grateful for what they have report better sleep, fewer symptoms of illness, and more happiness. Those are impressive benefits. Psychologists even suggest keeping a “gratitude journal” to improve our well-being, writing down five things we’re grateful for each week.
Scripture has long promoted the practice of gratitude. From meals and marriage (1 Timothy 4:3-5) to the beauties of creation (Psalm 104), the Bible has called us to see such things as gifts and to thank the Giver for them. Psalm 107 lists five things Israel could be especially grateful for: their rescue from the desert (vv. 4-9), their release from captivity (vv. 10-16), healing from disease (vv. 18-22), safety at sea (vv. 23-32), and their flourishing in a barren land (vv. 33-42). “Give thanks to the Lord,” the psalm repeats, for these are all signs of God’s “unfailing love” (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31).
Do you have a notepad handy? Why not write down five good things you’re grateful for now? It might be the meal you just enjoyed, your marriage or, like Israel, God’s rescue points in your life to date. Give thanks for the birds singing outside, the smells from your kitchen, the comfort of your chair, the murmurs of loved ones. Each is a gift and a sign of God’s unfailing love.”
By: Sheridan Voysey
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