When A Friend Passes...The World Is Not The Same

 Last night, after posting pictures and blogs, I remained on social media, something I usually do most nights. A story caught my attention. An Ogden Utah man was killed in a motorcycle accident. I thought it was strange someone was riding his bike at night in the middle of a northern Utah winter.

Then the story left my mind...

Until this morning, when after church my wife told me the man who lost his life was a family friend.

When news like this hits, it shakes your world, weakens your foundation, hurts your soul. We've known this man's family for decades. We first met the family when they had two children, just like us. They lived in our neighborhood and we both lived in basement apartments. Even though both families have moved over the years, we've stayed close. My wife and the man's mom chat together, their phone calls sometimes lasting hours. We know what is happening with their children, and they ours. We've laughed together, prayed together, and now, mourn together.

Their son was their oldest, married, living away from home. He worked hard, a blue-collar man who loved engines, especially when surrounded by muscle cars and beautiful bikes. Whenever I interacted with him, his smile was infectious. He was a big bear of a man, but that smile burned bright.

There is but one undeniable truth upon which all can agree (or should agree...). That truth is, if you're born you must one day die. The body that gives life will one one day stop living, stop growing, stop loving. Just as a sunrise guarantees a sunset. But, looking at it differently, a sunset guarantees a sunrise.

The sun will rise tomorrow, just as it did this morning where the earth had one less person able to see it. Left behind are those with broken hearts that will never fully mend. 

I Could Tell Right Away This Friend Request...Was Not On The Level

 If you're like me, you get friend requests on social media from time to time. Since I'm not as active in theatrical productions and other such things, my friend requests have slowed over the years. I now place friend requests into two categories: people I've never heard of looking for a way for me to pay them money (probably...), and friends I already have who have had their accounts hacked.

Point being, I never accept these requests. Today, however, I got a request from a person I wish so much I could accept, a person who meant a great deal to me at a time when I was confused, scared, homesick, and feeling very much alone.

But I couldn't accept--I knew it had been hacked.

I know because my friend passed away a year ago next month.

It brought back a lot of memories, and reminded me again how I felt when I received the terrible news.

Facebook is a strange place. Over the years I have accepted friend requests to people I knew only briefly and even some I've never met...mostly writer friends. I also make it a point to wish everyone on my list a "Happy Birthday" when their special day arrives. The problem is, I know some of these friends have passed away. I try and remember which one are no longer with us, but it's difficult. I know I've wished people who have passed a happy birthday. That makes me look like a total tool for not remembering. 

The sentiment is honest, though, just poorly executed.

I remember almost a year ago. I saw a post from Ed. He took a selfie in a hospital bed telling us he was in rough shape. I responded letting him know that he was in my prayers. He died four days later. Even though we didn't keep in touch often, I feel bad for his family. I'm sure next month will be a tough one for them, and others.

Yes, I knew the request was not on the level. Oh, how I wish it was.