August Isn't My Month

Seems like just yesterday I was posting about Ray passing, and yet there is more news about someone who has died far too young. Last weekend I was at home, unwinding from a day at work, ready to head out and pick up dinner for Jenn when my cell phone rang. "Crap, they better not be loading another job for me" I thought. Hmmm, 807 number, this can't be good (area code for Thunder Bay, and my grandfather had been in and out of the hospital lately with breathing problems). GJ is on the other end, asking if I've heard any bad new from TBay. My first thought was "how the hell would he know about my grandfather dying before I did?", but instead I just said "no, what happened?". It turns out that the uncle of a mutual friend had passed away suddenly. I can honestly say that I've never been more surprised than I was at that moment.

Uncle Dave was a great guy...teacher, entrepreneur, and a genuinely caring person who would take the time to help anyone. Hell, he even opened his doors to us for Grey Cup in Vancouver, and it takes a special person to welcome 4 loud, drunk guys into his home for 3 days. He was also in great shape and always health conscious. Non-smoker, social drinker (if that), triathlete, etc, etc. I never would have expected the news, and I still can't believe he's gone.

Again, the news hit me pretty hard, and again, I'm asking anyone who does read this to get in touch with loved ones. I finally had a chance to sit down and talk with my grandfather this past week, and it's something I am happy I could finally do. There wasn't much to say between us, but it made me feel much better about myself, and about our relationship.

It also made me think about my life and where I'm at. I work 7 days a week, pretty much every week. I've lost touch with friends, given up hobbies and basically stopped doing anything. Since Ray's passing, I've done my best to get back in touch with some friends and family, and I'm seriously looking to get back into some of my hobbies. I may live to 100, I may drop dead tomorrow, but I want to make each day count either way, and I hope everyone out there reading this will too.

I'll miss you Dave, and give Blue a big belly rub for me too.