AlohaStyle
BoM Sept '12 & Aug '13
I don't mean for this thread to be a pity party as I'm not looking for any condolences etc, I want this thread to be positive. Over the last couple weeks I've been to 3 funerals... my wife's grandpa who lived a long and great life, it was expected but still sucks to see a family member leave this world. But the other 2 funerals have weighed on my mind hard this last week and reminds me to live life to the fullest as you never know when it's your time or someone you love.
A very close friend of my in-laws (and who I know well) lost their 29 year old daughter to cancer. Again, love the people you care about and don't take your time for granted. I have had my mother and a few close people go through cancer and it doesn't care who it goes after.
And last night hit me hard again as we laid down one of my weekly get-together cigar buddies. My normal night out from my family is Tuesday nights and I've been doing this for 5 years with the same core group of guys, all older than me. Garry was 55 and was one of those great BOTLs who would do anything for you, give you a cigar just for the hell of it, put a smile on your face, you know those types of people. He was it. His previous wife died many years ago but he met a woman 8 years ago and they just got engaged to be married this coming November... she also came to our weekly herfs and I know her well. They recently bought a house in Reno and she was already living down there waiting for him to move with their final belongings. He died unexpectedly the day he was supposed to leave Seattle for good. Heart problems and undiagnosed severe diabetes just took it's toll. I feel terrible for Linda as they were about to start their new life, then it came crashing down.
Garry had one small cooler of cigars that he had with him while doing his final packing etc. Linda gave me his cooler of cigars after the funeral service and asked me to take them away. Even in death, Garry gave all his cigar buddies one last cigar and we all went to the lounge to smoke a couple in his honor.
Again, I don't want condolences but I just want everyone to realize life is too short and we should live it to the fullest. Don't hold any grudges with your family or old friends, it's not worth it. Do you want your brother that you haven't seen in 5 years to pass away and have regret that you never patched things up? Smoke your good cigars, what are you waiting for? In fact, smoke them with good friends, or your dad, brother etc. Give your dad a hug the next time you see him, you just never know... Heck, give that old lady you see at the grocery store or post office a helping hand. Smile.
Aloha
A very close friend of my in-laws (and who I know well) lost their 29 year old daughter to cancer. Again, love the people you care about and don't take your time for granted. I have had my mother and a few close people go through cancer and it doesn't care who it goes after.
And last night hit me hard again as we laid down one of my weekly get-together cigar buddies. My normal night out from my family is Tuesday nights and I've been doing this for 5 years with the same core group of guys, all older than me. Garry was 55 and was one of those great BOTLs who would do anything for you, give you a cigar just for the hell of it, put a smile on your face, you know those types of people. He was it. His previous wife died many years ago but he met a woman 8 years ago and they just got engaged to be married this coming November... she also came to our weekly herfs and I know her well. They recently bought a house in Reno and she was already living down there waiting for him to move with their final belongings. He died unexpectedly the day he was supposed to leave Seattle for good. Heart problems and undiagnosed severe diabetes just took it's toll. I feel terrible for Linda as they were about to start their new life, then it came crashing down.
Garry had one small cooler of cigars that he had with him while doing his final packing etc. Linda gave me his cooler of cigars after the funeral service and asked me to take them away. Even in death, Garry gave all his cigar buddies one last cigar and we all went to the lounge to smoke a couple in his honor.
Again, I don't want condolences but I just want everyone to realize life is too short and we should live it to the fullest. Don't hold any grudges with your family or old friends, it's not worth it. Do you want your brother that you haven't seen in 5 years to pass away and have regret that you never patched things up? Smoke your good cigars, what are you waiting for? In fact, smoke them with good friends, or your dad, brother etc. Give your dad a hug the next time you see him, you just never know... Heck, give that old lady you see at the grocery store or post office a helping hand. Smile.
Aloha
