I've been a Catholic for eight years.  I owe a great debt of gratitude to William F. Buckley for his influence in my conversion to Catholicism.  Whatever is right about me (no pun intended), was shaped by my Catholic faith.  It is said no meeting happens by chance.  In God's time, He sent someone across my path I would listen to—a Christian of extraordinary thoughtfulness and humor.  He was kinder to me than I deserved, and I am grateful for having "awakened" just in time to appreciate what this country had in Mr. Buckley and the gift of his life, and what I was blessed to experience for only a moment of it.  May he rejoice in heaven, even as we grieve on earth.  My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.