New Leafs Coach is a Biker!!

[Sven]

While he was the first of my parents to go, I think there's an overall sort of path to understanding that people *do* die and one day you *will* be one of them.  For me, the first shocker was when Jon Erik Hexum accidentally blew his brains out.  For a guy a couple years older in school than me, it was when Karl Wallendas died.  For a lot of young people, it will be Steve Irwin's death.  For a whole generation of high school students, it was the World Trade Center.  (They also learned the lesson that *some people are really mean*.

Five years ago, I had my first experience with a close friend's death (breast cancer that was not recognized in time) and then a couple years later, another friend (and also my supervisor), and now my stepfather this year.

Just as disturbing has been seeing my mother's thinking being a little fuzzy and illogical at times.  While I got used to my stepfather's similar problems, he had strokes, but with my Mom, it's just that she just isn't quite as sharp as she used to be.  Not that she's senile, but I see a change in her accuity.  Fortunately, that never ha--oh look!  A cute bunny!

Uh, what were you saying?

[jbrough7]

You ARE funny, and I just don't mean your LOOKS!!

The old guy slipped away today.  Weird thing is in our 25 year relationship we had only two things in common: his daughter and BIKES!  I think I've told you he used to ride and race when he was a young buck in England.  We could always talk about biking and his face lit up right up to the end when he would heard me revving up my little Bandit.

Think how happy he would have been if I had got a 1200!!

jim

[Sven]

I sincerely hope it was a peaceful passing.  Remember the good times you have and the ways he enriched your life.  All we leave behind are the works we gave the world and the memories we created in others.

[jbrough7]

Amen to that and thanks.

jim