It Makes You Think

I just got some very sad news. The father of a very good friend died a couple of hours ago. This post may be a little less carefree than usual, so I understand if you want to click away now. I hate to harsh the buzz of your impending weekend, but sometimes that's how things work out.

I got an email this morning from a friend who was forwarding me the bad news. My friend's dad had collapsed the other evening while visiting with his family. He had been in poor health for awhile, but this was a surprise. After a couple days in the hospital it became clear that his situation was not improving, and that he would have to be kept on a ventilator. Thankfully, he was able to express his wish to not be kept alive on a machine. His family knew this and he was able to make his feelings known in the hospital as well. The unimaginable decision was made, and his family respected his wishes. He died peacefully, surrounded by his wife of 47 years, and all his children.

It's weird. This morning I was listening to the radio and the host sang a song that he wrote for his father who died a year ago. That got me thinking about my dad. He died three years ago, and I still think about him now and then. You never think about your parents dying, but as we all get older, it becomes inevitable. The inevitability doesn't lessen the loss however.

I suppose I could say something trite, like, make the most of the time you have, or call someone you love and tell them so, but that would just trivialize things. We all know what we need to be doing on a daily basis. I will tell you that I'm going to make sure that my family knows my wishes for what to do if, and when, I can't make those decisions for myself. I think it took great courage and love for my friend's family to carry out their husband's/father's wishes. When you boil it all down, that's what being part of a family is all about. If you have a second, keep a good thought for my friend Steve and his family and one for his dad George. While you're at it, keep one for yourself too. Have a great weekend. Later...Brian

PS: If you're near a radio or computer tomorrow (June 10) between 8pm and midnight, I'll be doing another show on WGN Radio with my lovely co-host Laura Hirsch.