The Glade 4.0

Another contact from an old friend. He called to say goodbye. His doctors say he has three months or so. He's calling all his old good friends, saying goodbye. He says he wants to hear our voices one last time. He specifically does not want visitors because he couldn't take us looking at whats left of him. He does not want anyone he doesn't contact to be told. No details.

I am so honored, and after the call, so sad, I'm bawling my eyes out. Haven't seen him in over 20 years. I never will again.

Getting older sucks more every year.

_________________
The U. S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself. B. Franklin

"A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone." -- Tyrion Lannister, A Game of Thrones

/hugs Micheal

It's never easy

_________________
"Said I never had much use for one, never said I didn't know how to use one!"~ Matthew Quigley

"nothing like a little meow in bed at night" ~ Bruskey

"I gotta float my stick same as you" Hondo Lane

"Fill your hand you son of a *****!"

I'm very sorry. I'm thinking of you.

_________________
When he's underwater does he get wet? Or does the water get him instead?

_________________

My wife lost a good friend suddenly last week, and we went to the memorial over the weekend.

My second ever.

As our parents and friends age, the necessity of increased frequency looms large. I suppose there are two choices, accept it and find a way to deal with it, or cut ties and be a hermit. Either seems intolerable.

I'm sorry you have to deal with this. On the bright side (there always is), you clearly made a positive impact in his life, and you got to speak with him once more and say goodbye.

I was close to a lot of my parents friends growing up. They mostly seem to be long-lived types, but the tide has already started for me. It will become more frequent. I'd like to think I have the right attitude to deal with it, but I've never lost anyone extremely close to me, nobody in my immediate family, and someday it's going to happen. Permanence does not exist in this universe.

_________________
Well Ali Baba had them forty thieves, Scheherezade had a thousand tales
But master you in luck 'cause up your sleeves you got a brand of magic never fails...
...Mister Aladdin, sir, What will your pleasure be?
Let me take your order, Jot it down -You ain't never had a friend like me
█ ♣ █

It's life changing, the first time ... especially if it's unexpected.

One expects to outlive one's parents, but the death of my siblings were more difficult. I can only imagine the difficulty if I lost one of my children. I hope none here ever experiences it, and if you have, you have my most heartfelt condolences.

Try to stay strong, Micheal.

_________________
In time, this too shall pass.

Sorry, Micheal. I admire your friend for his courage to do what he did. I've watched others close to me keep everything to themselves and die with regrests of phone calls not made.

You and he will be in my prayers.

I'm so sorry, Michael. You will be in my prayers.

_________________

Ezekiel 23:19-20