Diagnosis...

From Jim: Oh Lord. Called an old dear friend, who has been our mechanic for the past 30 years, to get the Ford in for service and brakes. He wasn't in. His lead mechanic told me he was home, diagnosed with melanoma which had fully metastasized-lungs, liver, brain. He was in the care of hospice, but at home. We called, had a short talk. He's very weak. We're going over to see him this afternoon if his wife says he's up to it. Well, that sure gives you cause to stop and reflect. Because of our herd's age and history, we deal with end of life pretty much all of the time. It's still always a shock when a dear friend comes to that place. Our friend was an honest, hard working family man. He raised great kids. His marriage was the heart of his life. His business was based on his personal values of fairness and good work. He is a good man. He is a man of great faith, a devout Christian. I've said for a very long time, since Donna's bout with cancer, all of us are always one diagnosis away from a new agenda. The things we worried about, the 'big issues" we chewed on, fade away in a moment. Our place in the cosmos and the way we've lived and conducted our lives looms up before us. The people we have touched and how they respond to us takes on a very new meaning. We will hold our dear friend close in our hearts. We will offer up prayers and do what can be done to comfort and support him and his family. There's really nothing else we can do-any of us. Our kind finds our way to the rainbow bridge in a variety of ways and on many different paths. It is a something to contemplate as the holy holidays are upon us. When our time is near, how will we feel about the road we chose to take? Everyday is a blessing to be treasured and used to serve a cause greater than ourselves. Our friend sure knew this and the way he lived is a testament to his values and beliefs. We'll go see him today. We'll say Good Bye. Oh Lord.