Christopher Hitchens died this morning. I learned about the stage four cancer diagnosis in June 2009, so it wasn’t unexpected. But it’s still tough. I so badly wanted another decade with him.

He taught me how important it is for emotion, the only thing in life (make no mistake about it), to be combined with evidence-based beliefs in order for us to move forward– as individuals and as a world of individuals that matter to each other. His commitment to truth, and his often beautiful way of describing it, whether in print or on the stage, has been absolutely inspirational. He was able to do with words what I could only express through neck veins and back sweat. Agree with all of his opinions or not, Hitch’s was a voice that mattered. He threw all he had into just about everything he ever decided to devote himself to.  For his efforts, he’s changed and freed more lives than he’d ever know.

My only Hitch story is short and embarrassing. I ran into him on the #1 Train platform at Columbia. I was waiting for a train that was just pulling in, and as I walked towards the doors I saw him approaching from the stairs leading to the platform. I recognized him immediately, and equally immediately I froze in place. What do you say to a person who’s kept you awake for entire nights with life-altering arguments? As he came nearer, aiming straight at the door I was standing at, I just sort of raised my arm, speechlessly. He looked at me and sort of smirked, knowing I was stunned. He dashed into the train just as the doors closed. He spun around to face the windows and I saw him again, standing there, looking out, and I smiled. I watched him as long as I could as the train pulled away.

An era has ended with today’s very sad news. What I should have said when our paths crossed is so obvious.

I’ve spent more hours with you, Christopher, than you’ll ever know. I’ve been sleepless and enraged with you, I’ve been drunk with you, I’ve been angry with you, I’ve been embarrassed with you. I’ve thrown things at others and have had things thrown at me because of you. I’ve been free and at peace with you, I’ve been humbled and enlightened with you. Thank you, Christopher Hitchens, for all of it.