It is the end of an era. As I sit here allowing the last few granules of sugar to dissolve on my tongue, I realize that I will never know a lemon drop quite like this lemon drop. When we were first introduced, I knew it was something special. What can you say about a drop that in its youth was so vibrant and full of flavor, and throughout its Life upheld that potential... that promise... right up to the end. And it was not a bitter end... no indeed... it was sweet, and gentle, and endearing; an end befitting a Life well-lived.

I will never forget this lemon drop. It will live for all eternity in the dark, dank recesses of my mind. A lemon drop for all the ages. A lemon drop that has raised the bar. A lemon drop that has blended the sweet (of the drop) and the sour (of the lemon) to near-perfection. A lemon drop that in its Life (I'm certain) evolved as it dissolved to encompass each of the Platonic solids. A lemon drop that has contributed enormously to my understanding of what it is to be a lemon drop.

My memory of this epochryphal (not a misspelling) lemon drop will soothe me to sleep each night, quickly melt away any frightful dreams, and gently awaken me each day to a new possibility of challenge and reward. My life has been enriched to a degree I never thought possible. Yet, we must move on. There are gum drops and jelly beans and butterscotch discs and root beer barrels all waiting for an opportunity... ...an opportunity to serve a purpose... ...an opportunity to exceed expectations... ...an opportunity to fulfill a destiny.

With the recent passing of this lemon drop there is a void to fill. I can only hope this tribute will inspire and encourage its successors to express their essence in the same way; now please hand me an Atomic Fireball... ...thank you.