I'm not good at death. For the obvious, selfish reasons. Because, I think...what if this had been me? Every notice of another friend leaving this earth catches me off guard. Death cuts a swathe of random brutality.
I will never be ready. Maybe I'm not alone in that. But, we are all flying solo, aren't we? In the end...
I lost a friend last week. I didn't know it until today. He was a good man. A childhood classmate from Beirut. We connected at our American Community School reunions. I liked his ability to dig in on many topics. He was passionate about his political beliefs. Not in synch with mine, yet we could sit up late and talk about almost anything.
I don't know how he died. Maybe his heart just decided it was time to stop.
What I do know is that our next reunion will be one less.
I don't know how he died. Maybe his heart just decided it was time to stop.
What I do know is that our next reunion will be one less.
Fly free, Eric! You will always be that boy with the headful of tousled blond hair, and I will miss you...
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Stairway to Heaven painting by Jim Warren.
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may he rest, gorgeous and whole
ReplyDeleteSo hard. And I know, as you know. Every new death just brings it all the closer and more real. They say it's a part of life and apparently we have no say in the matter, but I keep thinking...hey, I like this ride. Let me stay until I don't anymore. We'll see how that goes, won't we. My heart is with you in your loss, Jennifer. LDW
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. Hugs and much love to you.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about this - losing friends is so difficult - even more so when it's been awhile since you met face-to-face. Concentrate on the good memories. Sending hugs!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss--these things do rock our worlds.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss, JCK. Peace and love to you . . .
ReplyDelete"what if this had been me? Every notice of another friend leaving this earth catches me off guard. Death cuts a swathe of random brutality."
ReplyDeleteVery well said - you captured my thoughts upon the death of someone in my age range. It's really too overwhelming to contemplate.
Very sorry for the loss of your passionate friend.