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November 11, 2008
In Memory of a Friend
Right before the 2004 Election, I was on my way to early voting in Hollywood, Florida. I pulled up to park in the garage, and I passed a couple, and their two dogs, holding Bush/Cheney signs. So, I beeped and waved, and they waved back and shouted. I stopped and we talked for a minute. It seemed there were a few Kerry supporters hanging around and Dan and Donna, together with the dogs, tried to counter them. They took some grief, that the best they could do were some puny signs and the dogs. Well, I said, you need some real signs. Follow me! and they did.
I parked my SUV, opened the hatch, and began pulling out all of the full sized, professionally made signs that were stored in my truck from the last protest that I did. Happily chatting back and forth, we picked out a few and headed for the front of the building. I left Dan and Donna out front, went in to cast my vote, and then joined them on the sidewalk afterwards.
We spent a few hours getting to know each other while waving at the passing cars, doing our thing for our country. A strong friendship was born that day, and over the years, we've done that very same thing together several times. for many reasons.
Dan and Donna stood up with me in support of Israel on Biscayne Boulevard during the run up to the expulsion of Jews from Gush Katif.
This photo was taken when did a counter-protest during the left's protest of the second Inauguration of President George W. Bush at the Torch of Friendship on Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida:
I moved from Hollywood a couple of years ago. It's been a while since I've seen Dan and Donna, but we've talked and emailed. You always think there's plenty of time. Even when my brain tumor showed up again, I thought there was plenty of time.
And even when Dan told me he too had a brain tumor, I still thought there was plenty of time, after all, I've been dealing with my tumor for over ten years. Even though Dan's brain tumor was the really bad kind of tumor, I still thought there was plenty of time.
We talked right before I had the gammaknife, I was a mess from the medication. We were going to have lunch, but I wasn't thinking straight, and I got my days mixed up. And I thought there was plenty of time. Was that really three months ago? It was.
And it turns out I was wrong. There wasn't plenty of time. Time ran out.
If ever there was a person who deserved to live a long and happy life, it would be Dan. He was one of the kindest people I have ever known, he was so full of life and he cared so deeply about so many things. He loved so many and so many loved him. I was blessed to know him.
This world is a much poorer place without him, but oh, heaven is so much richer.
His resting place shall be in the Garden of Eden.
Therefore, the Master of mercy will care for him
under the protection of His wings for all time
And bind his soul in the bond of everlasting life.
God is his inheritance and he will rest in peace
and let us say Amen.
Posted by LindaSoG at November 11, 2008 08:58 PM
Comments
Amen.
Posted by: Laura at November 12, 2008 11:49 AM
Linda - what a great tribute to your friend. I was especially touched by your prayer at the end. After reading this, I just picked up the phone and talked with a girlfriend who is battling both breast and ovarian cancer. Thanks for the reminder !!!!!
Hugs to you!
Posted by: dammitwoman at November 12, 2008 12:04 PM
So sad Linda, I've had one of those months myself, I can't look back, only forward, life is too short as it is. Cherish the memory and the good times. That was a wonderful tribute, take care. God bless you and your friends. I hope you too are doing better.
Posted by: Jack at November 12, 2008 12:33 PM
So very sorry for your loss, Linda. Cherish your memories, polish them and visit them often... they are the things we hold dearly forever. God bless you.
Posted by: Defiant_Infidel at November 13, 2008 04:47 AM
Thank you for sharing this, Linda...
Posted by: ProphetJoe at November 17, 2008 04:20 PM