01/08/12 - In Memory of a Friend and Brother

Today, a good friend died.  A long time member of my barbershop chorus and a member who followed his father into our hobby and a member who brought his son into our hobby.  For him, singing 4 part harmony in the chorus was a family affair.  I, and my fellow brothers in harmony, learned of his passing while attending our annual chorus installation banquet, and I happened to be sitting across from a person who, 3 years earlier saved his life when he had a heart attack.  It was a tough night for all of us.

We lost a brother.

As I sat there digesting the news, I thought to myself how honored I was to have known him and it made me appreciate my fellow chorus brothers who surrounded me.  Each of us felt the loss, but at the same time we celebrated his life.  More than once, someone came up to our table to check on my hero friend that I was sitting across from and ask him if he was okay and they thanked him for making it possible to spend an extra 3 years with their friend.  They also thanked him for making it possible for him to spend an extra 3 years with his son and wife.

These are quality people, who think of others around them and go out of their way to make sure that they are all right, before dealing and recognizing their own grief.

I am lucky to have these friends and brothers who are living examples of the traits and characteristics of the man I wish to emulate, George Washington.

PS.  Make sure you tell your family and friends how much you love them and appreciate them.  You never know when your time will come and you are called upon to join that heavenly choir.