So Long, Friend.....

I apologize for not posting recently.  I have intentions of posting more.  However, currently, I am sitting here at my desk with a heavy heart and a little heart broken as well.  I found out yesterday (Friday, Aug. 31st) that a man I looked up to in life was not doing so well.  He was admitted into the hospital and the prognosis was not in his favor.  After I was told this information, I wanted to go see him in the hospital.  I had a deep desire to go see him and hope to speak to him.  It was later in the night when the information was given to me.  So I decided to wait until the next day to go and see him if he is still in the hospital. I was a little naive because I honestly knew in my heart that the next day he would hopefully be home. 

So the next day comes and I call to know the details of my friends status and what room number he was in so I could see him.  Unfortunately I was too late.  My friend had already passed on to be with the Lord that morning.  I remember telling my brother to pray for him that day.  Little did I know at that time, he was already gone.  I am still in disbelief and utter shock.  This is a man that was VERY strong that one would think he was going to live forever.  This just goes to show you how brittle life is and can be gone in a blink of an eye. 

This man, was no ordinary man.  This man would give anyone a chance, no matter what.  This man, I know would give the shirt off his back to anyone.  I seen this man give people many more chances than I know I would.  It just goes to show you his nature.  He was indeed special to me and I know many more.  The man came to this country with $200 or less in his pocket and did not know how he was to survive.  The man worked hard for a living.  No one can contest that I am sure.  He ensured that his family and friends were taken care of at all times.  His nature was caring and always wanted to give you something.  

I have known this friend since I was 16 years old.  I was young, inexperienced, and had no clue as to what I wanted to do in life.  I just knew I wanted to make money to provide for myself.  This man took me under his wing, for some apparent reason, and taught me a lot of life's lessons.  I worked hard and enjoyed working for him.  It was never a boss and employee relationship.  He was a father figure to me in so many ways.  He would always call me "his boy", as if I was one of his own kids.  Though he was a Greek, he told me that I was 75% Greek.  The only reason I could not be 100% is because I was born here in the States.  I just laugh (and am currently as I type), because he would tell this to all his friends and family, as well as mine.  I do not think he ever knew his influence on me, or maybe he did and I did not know it.  His wife told me today, while visiting them, that he always said he was proud of me.  Wow, the tears really shed then to know I made my mentor proud.  Though I could not say thank you to his face, I could feel his presence and his smile.  That was quite humbling. 

It was an honor to know this wonderful man, As I indicated above, though he held many titles such as :son, dad, husband, brother, mentor, manager, owner, father figure, and most of all a great friend.  My usual meeting place of my friend will just not be the same, but the memories we made will not fade. I would always look forward to seeing him come through those double doors.  He would look around to find me and then come speak to me.  Now, only Lord knows what that looks like, as he came through the doors of heaven doing the same.  The guy had a smile and glow that not many have.  It was contagious and comforting at the same time.  In my years of knowing him, I never seen him get rattled.  He faced adversity toe-to-toe and took it with stride.


This is just a small portion of the memories from the years past.  We shared so many over the years.  I felt I needed to let some of these thoughts out, so I decided place my thoughts here.  I have so many questions, so many thoughts running through my head right now.  It really places a lump in my throat right about now to know he is gone.  Only the Lord knows why he has left at such a young age.  My friend is in a truly better place now. Rest in peace my friend.  You will be deeply missed.