Feeling happy and sad

[Yooper]

I had a great time at NHC, and I got to spend time with my grandson when I got back. He stayed overnight, and slept with me last night. It was so cool being with him again. I went to my lake house today, and spent a little time out on the boat. The loons were calling, the ducks had their ducklings paddling along, and it was beautiful. I love my life, so that makes me so happy, and it feels good to be home.

Two of my friends died while I was gone to NHC- one on Tuesday and one on Saturday. One was 55, and one was 56. Both were seemingly healthy guys, and I was shocked. I still am. So I feel such sadness about this.

I've had my dad die earlier this year, and a new grandson will be born sometime this week.

Big highs, and big lows.

Isn't it true that life is filled with great happiness, and often great sorrow? But when it comes right down to it, life really is too short.

 

[grathan]

And yet if it weren't taken from us, it would be meaningless.

 

[KayaBrew]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[jmendez29]

I'm sorry for your losses, Yoop. Through the years here, I've understood you to be quite the sage when it comes to nearly all things, but I'd like to share this with you.

When I was fifteen, my grandfather passed. This was the first of any significant family members that had passed when I was of an age to begin appreciating how difficult it could all be. But I remember part of the sermon at his funeral. According to some beliefs, and those of my grandfather, when a man dies, he dies not once, but three times. The first is the physical death, when the spirit passes from the body. The second is the placement of the body, when the body again becomes part of the earth. And the third is when all memories of the man have been forgotten, and this is the true and final death. So as long as your friends, and my grandfather, are still in our memories, then they are still very much alive.

My grandfather will live with me until the day that I die. And I suspect that your friends will live with you until such time as well. You may not be able to visit with them, but that doesn't mean that they aren't with you.

 

[bennie1986]

I had my father pass a few months ago also so I feel your pain. I'm so sorry for your losses.

 

[Cyclman]

So sorry to hear.

And a great reminder why we should live life with quality- striving for the exceptional.

 

[Jaybird]

So very sorry for your loss Yooper. My grandfather passed away last week as well.

He was a good man as I am sure your friends were also.

Raise a glass in their honor and their memory!

Cheers
Jay

 

[CreamyGoodness]

So sorry to hear yoop.

 

[HawksBrewer]

Hopefully their quality of life was maintained until the end. Really, that is all we can hope for. Truly too young, and it certainly reminds us of our own mortality. Stay strong.

 

[Melana]

So sorry for your losses and excited for you on the news of a new grandson.

 

[unionrdr]

Well,such is life; It's not good,it's not bad,it just is. Both our parents & grandparents are gone. My family is scattered to the four winds,some friends murdered,others from work dying off. count the blessings you have in those grandbabies. i may not live long enough to see those with this bunch.