Jim

 My friend Jim passed away. I was able to see him twice. The cancer diagnosis and his passing away happened in a matter of weeks. Jim was a good man. That sounds so simple but is the most true.  He was a man who knew how to be a great friend; always there to listen, concerned, caring. He was a man who had a life; adventures, living in rural Wisconsin on a lovely piece of land, owning his own business creating jewelry, especially wedding rings. Jim went to a lot of weddings. 

 He made me realize how important friends are...how a life’s most valuable action is spending time with family and friends. Jim taught me through the quality of his attention in our friend group, in his big laugh, his willingness to reach out, arrange and get together. You could see love and enjoyment when he talked about time with his sons and his siblings.

Jim came to Nadia's graduation. He came to Andrew's funeral and never shied away from talking with me about my grief. He grieved with me. 

 One of the things that became important to me in the last few years was to say out loud I love you. So, I started saying that to Jim. And he picked it up and gave it back to me. He didn't hesitate. He was a good, good man.

The last time I saw him at his house, he told me he thought he would have more time. A few more years at least.... A big reminder of one truth I learned when Andrew passed away. There is never enough time. So live now.. Don't wait to do it. Do it now. 

Enjoy heaven, Jim. I imagine the freedom of leaving your body which was in so much pain..I hope you can fly. I just know you're looking down, chuckling and enjoying us. I love you Jim.