Saturday, November 6, 2010

livelive365

This past week a good friend of mine passed away. Sad, very sad. He was my age. We grew up together, played baseball together. Used to hang out Saturday nights together before we started hanging out with our future wives. But that was a while ago; decades. Why did I lose touch with this old pal?

It doesn’t matter that I hadn’t seen or spoken to my friend who is gone for ages; his lose struck me as strongly as if I’d just recently spoken to him. I understand that childhood buddies often grow apart through the years, due to geographical, philosophical, or any or ophical-reasons. But just like reminiscing about an old flame or ex-wife, even a relationship that sadly turned sour after it was once nothing but sweetness, one should not forget what was, especially now when they are no longer here.

This was the third contemporary of mine to have died over the past few years. One sad, but true, commonality was the state of each of their health, and how they lived their lives (not as healthy as I wished they did) every day—a very common topic of this website.


I have mentioned many times over how the death of my father—twenty years ago this coming January—changed my life. How through his death I grew stronger, healthier, more focused and determined…you could even say that my dad’s death was the genesis of livelife365.

All this leads me to the theme of my website, of Mike Foster:

Livelive365!

Every day in every way.

That doesn’t mean to just work at losing weight, eating better, turning bad habits into better ones, enjoying hobbies, bettering relationships, laughing, loving, living. It means to cherish your time on earth, this precious commodity that sometimes seems ridiculous or stressful or mundane. But more often than not is wonderful, inspirational, amazing and worthwhile.



When we lose someone close to us, mortality pokes a finger on our shoulder and whispers the frailty of life into our ears. A wake up call, a reminder. Sad, for sure, but something that we need to hear from time to time.

The best send off for my friend, for me at least, is to remember the good times, the smiles and giggles, those years we hung out together as if they were yesterday.

And mostly to learn through this unfortunate death how vital and precious our time on earth is, and the lesson we must all remember: not to waste a second.




r.i.p…

M.T., B.H., D.W. R.J.P




Until next time…



Peace,



Mike

9 comments:

Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" said...

So sorry for your loss of your dear old friend. When people my own age die that I know, it always makes me realize that could have been me and it's shocking. I certainly agree wholeheartedly with your point--make the most of every day we have and don't waste it.

Lindsey said...

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I came to this same conclusion when i lost my dad in June. It's weird how loss can change your view on life.

Robin Plan said...

Mike I'm so sorry for your loss of your childhood friend. Your words for your friend and your dad were very touching.

Pat Vojtaskovic said...

Very sorry for your loss. You posted this at just about the same time i made a live journal entry. You might just be interested in it as it deals with this difficult subject.
I will be doing the story in parts, and am going to start on part 2 soon.
http://patvojt.livejournal.com/932.html

Susan Blake said...

Hi Mike! So sorry to hear about your friend passing. It seems to be happening more to me as well, the older I get........ Lifestyles and diet have sooo much to do with our health and longevity and I sure do share your passion for trying to help people see that.
hugs,
suZen

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Brigid said...

Sorry for your loss, Mike.

Like you, the death of my father, at only 56, is the inspiration for me trying to live every day like it is the only one I have. Even washing the dishes can be satisfying if you give it your whole attention, and be present instead of wishing you were somewhere else.

My yoga teacher always said the only thing you really have is the present moment, and it's so true. No one ever knows what's around the corner.

Jia Jun said...

sorry to hear about your loss of friend.

but what can we do ? Life must be go on, times won't turn back, and only memories lies within.