There's a lifetime worth of things I'd like to say and do but not enough lifetime to share everything with you that you have done for the Metal community, your local community, the world, and me. I anxiously looked forward to meeting you one day since I was a child now I will have to wait a little longer but that's ok. You touched my heart as a small child and even now still influence me in my music writing, guitar playing, sense of humor, and good-hearted nature. As cheesy as it sounds you were my Ace Frehley. Your music and your upstanding personality made me feel like I had a friend that understood me growing up dealing with a visual handicap and family problems. You inspired me to keep my hopes high and love everyone. You taught me how to be funny and be an individual. You're one of the best friends I ever had though we never met. Here it is almost 4 years now since you left this world and I like your brother and many other people still haven't gotten over the tragedy that happened that took your precious life. I still shed tears and hold back bitter anger like it happened yesterday and I know that may seem extreme to most people but to me you were a friend, a brother, and a hero to me and still are and will continue to be. The world misses you Dime and I can't express how many times in a day that I wish you were still here putting smiles on people's faces and expressing yourself on stage. The world became a darker place after you left. I hope I can help carry on your legacy through my guitar playing and my love for people like you did and be an inspiration to all. I love you brother and I will never forget what you stood for, what you did for others, and most importantly what you did for me in my life. My tear filled eyes only wish I got to tell you in person. You keep me forever, stronger than all.
-Michael Knouff
