About four years ago, I was planning the opening of my bricks and mortar store called Arts & Artisans. What a great time that was! I had paid a half months rent on the space and I was busy making signs and bringing in equipment, getting a credit card machine and insurance, contacting artists, - etc.
And my friend Jeff was dying.
Here in Lovely Laconia, there are not many people with whom one can talk about Philosophy, the Buddha, and Great Ideas.
Jeff was one of those souls that happen now and again, that are not firmly planted in the world as we know it. He was a free spirit in the very best meaning of the phrase.
He loved Indie movies and his cat, Lucky. Also good coffee. He wanted to have a little expresso machine in my store. I wanted him to be a part of my enterprise, since he seemed to have such an interest.
Jeff lived a few houses down from me; I could see his house from the kitchen window. Everybody in the world seemed to know him and he was universally beloved. He had a brain tumor at age 30. There was surgery, chemo and stuff. I guess it recurred several years later, and there was more surgery and chemo. And then again. He kept his secrets well. Lots o' pain meds and herbal medicine were what kept him alive and in this cosmic plane.
He had pirate satellite TV, with all of the movie channels. I loved to visit him to watch movies and talk about religion and philosophy. And things in general.
It was the third week of February, 2004, that I saw him for the last time. His mom had picked him up for a trip to the hospital in Louisville. I was checking the mail box as they drove by and he weakly waved at me.
The next day he was dead, at forty years of age.
I miss him.
5 comments:
Anyone can remember family; it's an exceptional person who remembers departed friends on the anniversary of their death-day. From somewhere, his energy appreciates that.
Nancy NeverSwept
I'm so sorry, sweets. I'm thinking of you.
Smooches.
Ahhh. Saturday was the birthday of a dear friend of mine I lost two years ago, so I can definitely empathize. I do agree with Nancy that somehow, whatever form our life-energy takes after we die must glow a little brighter if we are remembered.
Many hugs being sent your way. And thanks for sharing a little of this special person with us.
My godfather died almost three years ago of pancreatic cancer. He sent me an email telling me he was dying, and in less than a month he was gone. I was able to be with him the last week of his life, and about a month later we decided to make a go of Macon. I felt if I could just slow down a little, maybe just maybe I could spend a little more time with the people I love. I am grateful this morning that I got to read your blog, and that you shared your friend Jeff with me. I think I would of liked him.
I'm sorry your friend's life was so short and full of illness. It sounds like he was a kind and thoughtful person and completely lovable. It is good to remember people we love.. always..
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