The following made the rounds today and was penned by Rene Castenada. At first when I was asked to publish it here, I was not sure. But I see on facebook his health issue has become public for the most part and decided to go for it. Gary J. Arzt means a lot to me on so many levels. First of all he helped put me on the map and in the eyes of so many manufacturers. He has offered words of support and encouragement even if my typographical errors drive him crazy. But my relationship with Gary is more then a blogger, as over the 3 years of acigarsmoker we have had numerous conversations and laughs and he has been there for me when I needed insight.

Love him or hate him, there is no better friend to the cigar community. He is passionate about the cigar community, and like me often at times, speaks with no filter. Perhaps that is why I get along with him so well..