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I have to advertise an event that really means something to me. The group Warriors Never Die! is hosting an event at the Riverside Multiplex in memory of our friend, James Forman. The event will take place November 16th from noon to 9 p.m. There will be a silent auction and music to rock out to. The proceeds will go to Adopt-A-Pet.

So how do I know James? I worked with him during my stint at Toys R Us from 1999-2000. When I got the job, the assistant manager, Alicia, said she wanted me to work in the storeroom. I had no clue what was in store for me, but it was the first time I met James.

I remember the first time he taught me how to build bikes. I was struggling with this 26" mountain bike. I was reading the instructions, trying to figure out what had to go where, wiring brakes around the handle bars (sometimes wishing I could wrap them around my neck to let my stress be over). When I look up, James is happily putting together a trike. A TRIKE! I'm dealing with a booklet of instructions for this 26" bike with steps 1 through 46 all written out, and he has one piece of paper with steps 1 through 3 complete with pictures. I looked at him and said, "You got to be kidding me." He said, "Trust me, it's harder than you think." From that moment on, James became my Yoda. He taught me that sometimes it's better to start with the harder stuff because the easier things will be a breeze.

James Forman was a great person, an animal lover, a protector and just an all-around good guy. I'm glad this benefit is being hosted in his memory. He was a warrior and his spirit will live on.