I received news on Wednesday that a man I graduated from high school with, and who I considered to be a good friend, passed away. This is one of those big "why" moments. Why at 39 years old, with his first child on the way in mere weeks, and when he so close to finishing his PhD program...why? Are we supposed to know why? I'm sure the clinical why's will come out when the coroner announces the details, but its so hard to understand.
It just serves as a very harsh reminder how fragile life really is and how, at any moment, important people could just be taken away from us. At ANY moment! It brings out deep feelings of mortality, guilt, sadness....lots of things I didn't expect and feelings that are so much stronger now that I'm a parent. I think of his mother...no one should have to bury a child! I think of his sister....I would die too if I had to bury my sister! I think of the mother of his un-born son who will raise this little boy alone and be responsible for sharing what a wonderful person he was. She won't be alone though really - he was loved by so many and I believe everyone will remind that little boy throughout his life.
The outpouring of love I'm watching from our classmates and friends is amazing. I'm hopeful when my time comes that my family will find that I touched lives in similar ways that my friend did. Maybe this will change me in some small way? Maybe I will strive to do more things for others and make a difference? I hope so....I hope that 100's of people will come to my funeral and care enough to be there. I hope....
Rest in Peace Dirk Magwitz - you were a beautiful person and taken too soon. You will be missed greatly by so many. It's comforting to know your Faith is strong and that we all know just where you are right now :) Peace and comfort to your family during this time.
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