It seems like there has been so much death in relatives, friends and acquaintances this year. Yesterday we found out a friend we had, when our son raced, passed away after a long battle with cancer. DH knew him better than I did. When at the races I wasn't usually in the mix of talking race cars with the guys, haha. But, I remember him as a very nice guy and our sons were good friends and the same age (when most of the racers were older adults guys). They stopped racing about a year after we did. I'm not sure why, but assumed it was for the same reason we did....just too expensive. We've all kept in touch via Facebook, over the last 6 years or so.
I was trying to figure out why the news of his death hit me so hard yesterday. And then DD kind of said the same thing. She said she just felt so sad over it. It's not like we were super close family friends. Just for a few years, basically. We didn't socialize outside of racing. DH sent his son a message saying how sorry he was to hear about his dad. His son actually sent back words of comfort. He said "my dad really liked you and 2010 was the best times we ever had and you and your family were a big part of it".
Then I realized why this man's death has affected me so much. We did a racing tour that summer of 2010. While hard, it was so much fun at the same time. I think that's probably what I also link this nice man to, the memory of that time together, as families and friends. A time when our son was still with us. He had just graduated high school and the future seemed so promising. Honestly, I would have thought this other kid would have been the one to turn out like our son has. He was such a goofball teenager. Didn't care much about school, etc. I've been pleased to watch him turn into a very hardworking, responsible young man and father, himself. He learned a very high paying trade and does well.
RIP friend. I'm glad to know he won't be suffering from that horrible disease any longer.
It's always sad to lose friends. I know it makes you happy to know your family was part of his family's good memories when his father was alive and even now.
ReplyDeleteyes, that was a very sweet thing for his son to tell DH.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. I think it hits home more when it is our contemporaries doesn't it. Don't give up on your son though - he may wake up smart one day and I wish that for you with all my heart!
ReplyDeleteyes, it does, especially at this young age. You expect we will all live into old age. Thank you for that, about my son. I wish it too!! Hoping it happens someday soon.
DeleteSo sorry for your loss. I think part of it may well be an age thing. It seems so much harder when we lose someone in our own age bracket. My dad was just commenting the other day about the age of people in the obituaries. He said he doesn't see very many older than him. (he is 90) I really hope your son comes around soon. Life is far too short for this sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteit's definitely harder when it's someone young, who hasn't lived a full life. My step sister's MIL just passed too, but she was 91. She lived a long wonderful life.
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