Those we have lost

Friday brought sad news. An old family friend has left this world, his demons were just too much for him. I will miss seeing him when I go home to my hometown for a visit. I didn't see him every time we were home, but I always looked forward to seeing him. I feel such sorrow at the loss for his family, his friends (myself included), and our community. He was one of those guys that if you were his friend he would do anything for, but you did not want to be on his bad side. The loss had me thinking of those who have gone on before me. Growing up I was lucky and had little loss, but I did lose people. My one grandmother when I was a baby, a younger cousin when I was in 1st grade, my great-grandfather a year later. But then life was good for a long time and then my classmates and I dealt with losing a classmate suddenly in 8th grade and then again in 9th. We lost classmates shortly after graduating also. And then I was lucky not to lose anyone for a few years. but loss while it remains in the background has a way of sneaking up on you. So, this weekend those who I have lost and the actual loss has been very close to the surface.
So, this is to Nana C., Kimmy, Pappy, Paul, Tracy, Amy B., Amy M., Ziggy, Betty, GramaFran, Daddy Bill, Uncle Michael, Uncle Billy, Poppa, Mrs. W, Pam, Mary, Cierra, Austin, Kattie, and Mr. Billie.
May you all be happy in the life after.