Sunday, November 02, 2008

"It's A Sad And Beautiful World"

My friend and co-worker died in a car wreck yesterday. I think he was in his mid-40s. I clocked in, heard the news, and worked for the next nine hours, smiling in public and trying not to cry in private. When trying to process his sudden absence from our lives, I kept hearing the phrase, "life is fleeting" in my head. That line which I first heard in Gary Oldman's Romeo Is Bleeding so many years ago always sounded somewhat cool and profound. We lose a friend though and the line carries very little weight. I tried to say it in conversation with friends today, but I would ponder it first, decide that it sounded devoid of proper compassion and let it go unsaid.

All of us at the workplace will miss our friend very much. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. We're all going to have to just deal with this in each of our own personal ways. (I guess this is mine.) When my wheels wouldn't go, he was my ride to and from work. I'd wait for him outside my apartment while listening to Tom Waits on my iPod. He would pull up and I'd hop into his car where Mariah Carey was always sure to be playing on his stereo. If not the music, then the rides and the good conversations were always well appreciated. He was always a good Samaritan to me.

Life is fleeting. Or, "it's a sad and beautiful world." From Down By Law, starring Tom Waits, John Lurie, and Roberto Benigni, here's one of my favorite scenes.

11 comments:

Heidi said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

monstermash said...

Again, I am sorry about your friend. Your post is a lovely tribute.

Bar L. said...

Joining in your grief. I think the message that life is fleeting is a powerful one - both of us have lost a friend unexpectedly within days!

My heart hurts for all of those who will miss him. He sounds like the kind of person that touched lots of lives.

The Old Man and His Dog said...

sorry to hear the sad news. Take care and live you life to the fullest each and every day.

Lori Stewart Weidert said...

So sorry to read this. My thoughts are with you, and my heart a little heavier, for you, tonight.

Anonymous said...

Oh Dear, I'm sorry for your loss. Yes life is fleeting and let me take this moment to tell you that my life is improved by knowing you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry. XO

peach said...

So sorry to hear your sad news. Hugs sending your way. Your friend and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

chez bez said...

Thanks all. I appreciate your kind words. He was a great friend to seemingly everybody.

GingerSnaps said...

Oh, Mike...I am so sorry for your loss.

Sending much love...

Ginger

Lynnster said...

Oh, how terrible. I'm so sorry about your friend.