Okay, I am starting this one at a loss for what to title it. As is usually the case, I am not at a loss for words, and as is sometimes the case, I will probably use some wrong words.

I went to a wake today. I wish for all the world, that I had not had to be there for that reason - that I had been able to see the amazing old and dear friends I did under different circumstances. It was scarcely a month or two ago it seems, that I wrote a short piece on the passing, but more importantly, the life I knew, of Mr. James Rudd, the father of a family that I and my siblings grew up with in our little home village on the bay. Today, the young man that I was there to pay my respects to, was his son Mike, a young man of fifty one, and who lying in repose, looked like a boy of thirty five, like he could wake with a big grin, half concealed behind his walrus mustache, swing in behind the wheel of a pickup, and be off to the four winds, and to do whatever struck his fancy. I would like now, to be able to say that I knew Mike...........but the Mike I knew was a boy, a friend of my younger brother, and over the years and miles, I, as people will do, lost touch and knew only where he lived, based on my way too infrequent conversations with his oldest sister, and her husband, my dear old friend Paul. But one thing I can tell you, is that judging from what I have read, and what I was told, and by the stream of mourners, well wishers, and who passed through Grace Chapel for just a visitation, that this young man had made a mark of unquestionable significance on the lives of so many. I saw kids of all ages, fresh and innocent, and pierced with adornments. I saw old friends of my own. I saw so many total strangers, right down to the veterans and American Legionnaires in dress, that I hear Mike was so ready to step up to the plate for, that he was recognized for his contribution and time to them and to their organizations.

Mike was, just a month ago I am told, for all outward appearances, a healthy man, but who was initally diagnosed with pneumonia, and after not being able to shake it, and on further tests, diagnosed with lung cancer that spread quickly, and consumed his life within a short few weeks.  I would bet that if I could speak for MIke and for the family and friends who mourn his untimely passing, that they would echo my sentinments and advice. Don't let this be a light extinguished, without having seen it. Cherish every second you have with the ones you love. Tomorrow does come. Make sure you don't miss an opportunity to reach out and let them know how you feel - every chance you have. I do wish now, that I had known Mike as an adult........can't change that. I wish I had watched his kids being raised by he and his wife Jacque, but I didn't. My friend Reese, speaks very highly of MIke's wife, and my heart goes out to her for the loss of her friend and mate. Though the finality of his life on Earth is very clear to me, I know that he will live on in the hearts and spirits of so many. That means a lot to me. Today I spent a couple of hours in the company of a couple of wonderful people, old dear friends. One, whom he and I keep saying that we "have to quit meeting like this" and go grab a cold one together. I will see that that happens. The other friend, was so special to me once upon a time, and a friend that I was afraid I would likely just carry fond memories of and smile when I thought of them. Maybe now that won't have to be the case.

Life and friends come with so many smiles and so much wonder and love.

Thank you Mike, rest now, in Peace.

And I thought of the perfect title after all...........