Passing...

When I was younger, I knew that we all had a limited time on this planet. I knew we grow up, we grow older, and eventually we pass away... But that was something I didn't have to worry about. I remember when my grandparents passed away. My uncle. Even when my brother's best friend from high school passed away due to a screw up at a hospital, our mortality didn't really set in. I was too young to understand.

This past Friday, one of my friends (Troy Hensen) from college finally succumbed to his battle with cancer. Even though we have not spoken in years, his death hit me quite hard. It put my own mortality in perspective, but more over I think the world is a diminished place without him in it. I won't try to write too much here about Troy because what I write couldn't scratch the surface of doing justice to the person he was. I can't remember an unkind word coming out of his mouth. I remember somebody that everybody liked. Somebody who you always wanted around. Somebody that could always make you feel better about yourself. One of my last memories was when Troy and I shared the stage when we did our senior recitals in college together. I always took for granted that we would see each other again. Even though he is passed, I hope that to be true in heaven... because I know that is where he is.

Troy, thank you for all the times you helped pick me up when I was having a bad day. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for making me a better person for having known you. Your impact on people's lives is a legacy to be proud of. You will be missed terribly. Rest in peace my friend.

--C