Midwest Chick's Place

A friend and colleague of mine died suddenly of a heart attack last week.  He, I think, lived every day to its fullest.  He was involved with his church, his family, his co-workers, and his students (not necessarily in that order).  He was a church-going man but he was never preachy–the way he lived his life was to be an example to others–he walked the walk and didn’t find it necessary to talk the talk.  He found some joy in each day and tried to share it, whether it was a really cool cloud formation or just a smile, a wave, and a friendly hello.  He was gentle, caring, and wicked smart.  He always got the joke and laughed, even when it was off-color.  He didn’t mind my language (I curse like a sailor, most of the time) and would join me sometimes.  He seemed to be unflappable.  My life is richer for having known him, even for a relatively short time. 

If I’ve learned anything from my friend, it is to try and LISTEN and to find at least one joy in each and every day–even if it’s as ephemeral as a wicked cool weather front.