tears of sorrow

This past week I received the unexpected news that my friend, John O'Keefe, died in Miami on Tuesday. Since learning of his death my head has been spinning, thoughts filled with memories and heart filled with sadness.

I once read that we grieve more bitterly when we have not been able to fully experience life with another individual. This concept, that whatever is lived fully is easier to let go, has resonated with me this week. With his early passing from this world, I feel robbed of the future experiences that I was counting on sharing with John. Although I had only known him for a few years and we were separated by distance, I took comfort knowing we would have a long lifetime to spend together as friends. Dreams now ripped away.

I will always keep close to my heart memories of time spent with John. Together with Robert, they were the perfect duo who graciously invited me to be part of a trio; friends who laughed and shared and dreamed of adventures around the world. I am a better person for having had John in my life. In his radiance he received the range of human experience with passion, as though he had squeezed the earth's life-force and drank the marrow. John inspired me to live my highest and best life, to have deeper compassion, fuller joy, take risks, and above all, never take for granted the love of my friends.

thank you John. we will all miss you.

(picture: left-Robert, right-John)