I have been doing a bit of reflecting of late. I lost a cousin who was too young to go. Only 60, but diabetes got the best of him. His death has helped to put some things in perspective, things I already knew, but just seem clearer now.
I have no control over how people feel about me. I do the best I can, love me or leave me. Some long-time friends have done the latter. It's difficult to conjure up reasons why, but I have to let all of that go. I am thankful for the friends I have and cherish them. Your best friends are your real family in life.
Gary was an only child. He made a promise to his mother on his death bed that he would take care of his dad. That he did. It was always Jack & Gary, one in the same. After Jack died in 2001, it was just Gary. Hard to say without the Jack part.
There were almost 100 people at Gary's funeral. Co-workers and friends. He was well-respected. He had no family left in Butte, but he had his friends and they were his family.
Hold close those you love. Don't put off loving them and letting them know it. Life is short and we never know when our time will come.
