Life can be too short

I woke up pretty excited today. The plan was to hang out at the Outback Pro-am and be outside and hang out with some friends.  I was finishing some emails and playing with Mogwai, who turned 1 today, when I got a phone call from my friend Carl.  After a bit of yammering and catching up he then dropped the bomb that changed something internally.

Basically, a brother of good friend that we have in common, lost his wife on Tuesday.  When the news spilled out of the phone into my ear I literally lost my footing and hit the ground.  Talk about a shock.  Then the aftershock.  This didn't happen because of an auto accident, or an illness that could possibly of been forecasted.  She literally sat in a chair, had a heart attack and died.  Twenty-nine years old with no history or family history of heart problems.  Nothing to indicate that this could happen.  My friend was at his parents’ house and couldn't seem to contact her, and of course just thought she was busy, but when five o'clock rolled around with no phone call and no email, he headed home.  He contacted his neighbor who had to jump a fence and break into the house, called 911 but it was too late.

Three thoughts came across my mind.  1) How is he and what is his state of mind? 2) Where is he and who is with him? and 3) I am glad I am not him.  I felt guilty about the third thought and that it came so quickly.  I was assured it was normal, but it really didn't make me feel better.  I cannot even fathom what he is going through.  After a couple of texts and voicemails to his brother, my friend, I was told the story and where everyone was.  So, we showered and left.

Three hours later we walked into a crowded house in Vero Beach where the mood was light, but somber.  I saw my friend who I haven't seen since he and his wife and son left for Chicago.  Carl and family and the rest of this clan, but no sign of my friends brother.  Later on he walked in and I hugged him.  I gave him every last bit of healing energy I could.  "If I could take your pain away", I thought, "I would."  We hung out and just enjoyed the company.  I felt good he had so many people around that cared for him and wife so much.  I just don't feel good for him next week, when everyone goes back to work and he has to spend so much time with nothing but his thoughts.

It really made me think though.  It is so important to tell the people we love how much we care for them, and how much they mean to us.  All of them, from you significant other, all the way to the person you work with that you tend to connect with.  Then, it's time to get affairs in order.  Who would it affect if you died tomorrow?  How would your bills get paid?  Who would end up being responsible for them?  Is there someone you wish to take care of in the event of your death?  How do you want your body dispositioned?  Do you want to donate organs?  What if you were determined to be in a coma and the outcome is bleak that you will ever come out?  Do you want the expenses to pile up on your loved ones or do you wish to be terminated?  All these things sound morbid, but they are very important. 

My family has a lot of longevity.  I have blood relatives who are over 90 and still golf eighteen holes three to four times a week.  My family has buried more centurions than I can count.  This being the case I always thought I had time, to figure a lot of things out.  Mary dying the way she did, shows me there are a lot of friends I need to talk to and a lot of affairs I need to get in order.  Wow...I am just still in shock.

Mogwai turned one year old today.  Tomorrow is the first anniversary of Jamali's death.  Today I mourned with my friends for a family member.  Tomorrow I sing at TBPAC.  If that isn't the epitome of an emotional roller coaster I don't know what is.

Do me a favor, please?  Hug your significant other.  Tell your parents you love them.  Mention how much your friends mean to you.  You never know if you will ever get the chance again.  Life is too short.

LOVE, LIFE, HAPPINESS & SUCCESS!!

-Brad