It seems like everyday you can expect something to happen, but just what happens is really what you would like to know. No one can predict the future. Some people don’t even know the past.
To have lived, is that really all that for which we can strive? To of said, “I was here, remember me” — In the end, is that what we really have to look forward to?
It has been two days since hearing about the passing of a very good friend of mine. In those two days, thoughts have traveled so quickly, so desperately, so fleetingly – that its hard to catch up. There will be no more calls every weekend asking to head out to the bars for a round of, “lets get sloshed,” no more stories of a man who was more than that to many of us. He was a Marine, he was a student, he was a son, a brother, a.. friend. Of all the titles of who he was, he was foremost, a beautiful human being. Stunning in the way that he laughed, he smiled, he had a good time kicking it back with all of us.
To express this in the most human terms, it is really quite difficult. Later on in the day, the day that I found out, I was sitting at a park, watching a softball game that my 10 year old sister was playing. It hit me probably the hardest at this point. Life continues, whether or not anyone wants to stop it. All of these kids, focused, vying to win this game – had absolutely no idea of what happened. There were smiles, there were cheers, there was wind, spots of rain, and a setting sun.
Reflecting on this, its more difficult now, holding back the constant threat of tears, and trying to let it out – through words. Something learned, something inherently human.
As the kids exited the field that afternoon, and huddled into a group around their coach, they all were fixated on the next game, the next time they had to prove their skills, their ability to shine. All of them shined. Brighter than the setting sun, these kids glowed with warm thoughts, good memories, and carefree abandon. To look to the future at this time was difficult, it was wrenching in almost every aspect.
Looking back on what we’ve all gone through, I can only say that we’ve gone through it together. Our group, the ones who knew him, who learned from him, who felt his smile and his laughter. To strive to be remembered is not something to strive for at all, it is something that is deserved. Our friend deserves to be remembered, and deserves to be celebrated for what he taught us of the future.
Live strong, shine brightly, every day is a gift. Cherish it all.
Ben’s Note: Thanks for writing up the excellent guest post! I’m missing mike and that crazy beard. 