Death of a friend

I went to a friends funeral this past Saturday. It was a bummer. He was 2 days short of his 64th birthday. That's not that old. He wasn't sick, no accidents, no self inflicted injuries. He just went to bed Tuesday night with his wife and didn't wake up. It was such an uneventful death that it almost doesn't seem real, but it is. It is very real to the friends and family that he left behind.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you just didn't wake up one day? Would you be missed? Could the ones you love carry on with out you. Who would pick up where you left off? Does a single life really matter? Do you matter?

I watched my friends as they sat and listened to the minister speak about the life Tex lived. They were dying as they listened to the countless good deeds and genuine love and respect with which he treated everyone. He and his wife Linda took in 14 foster kids over the years not to mention their own 3 girls. He was a real "stand in the gap" kind of guy. I watched them again in the reception line. I have no idea what held them up. If too no one else, Tex mattered to them.

I know allot of smart people but I must say Tex was one of the smartest. He worked with the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) and was one of about 500 people in the country who could do the jobs he did. You don't get guys like that from Labor Finders or Monster.com. He was very smart but, he had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. He cared about people, all people. He will be missed.

As for me, I don't know if I will be missed by many. I do know that I have a place that belongs only to me. A place in my family, my church and my community. Yes, the world will keep turning and my family will push on but, I think I will be missed. I think you will be too.

Look around at your family, friends, community. You would be amazed how much of an impact you have on them. Even the worst of us are missed. So I'll say god bye and God speed to my friend Tex, you will leave a huge void to fill. God bless you and your family.

For the rest of you, stop surfing the net and go hug your family.