I heard the news today, oh boy

Today I lost a friend.

He died at home, with his loving wife at his side. He had a fast-moving brain tumor that swept into his life and took him away from us way too soon.

I wrote this earlier:

"I wish I had one more moment with you. When I came to see you, you were heavily medicated. Your wife took me outside your room and we hugged and talked and exchanged words to fill the sad silence.

I went back in to look at you. I gently touched your bent knee. I pretended that you knew it was me and that you might remember I was there to see you. To tell you how sorry I was for all the pain you were enduring. To thank you for being a great guy and a wonderful husband to your wife.

I wanted to thank you for your stories. Did I thank you? I think I did. I hope I did. Thank you."

I am grieving tonight. I will let myself cry and feel the pain of this loss.

--Ms. T. J.