The guy in the court always waved as he drove past in his mini cooper or on his motorcycle. I can’t say that I knew him well, but in the past year we have spent quite a bit of time shooting the shit (so-to-speak) curbside. Our topics of discussion varied from dating to death, and we always had a good laugh pushing each other’s buttons.
I remember last November, after I took a tumble on my long run, meandering over to ask his professional opinion on my wound. He was a paramedic turned techie. We talked injuries and how those who didn’t understand our love for running, or in his case motorcycles, continually dished out encouragement to give it up. We both agreed that the danger in giving up was greater than continuing to chase our passion.
This guy, having suffered much loss himself, knew that sitting on the couch would only let depression take hold of him. He knew the risks involved in motorcycle riding and, in his case, racing. As a paramedic, he’d seen plenty. But he swore that if he died doing what he loved that it would be okay.
And so with much sadness, I remember his words and wave good-bye to my dear neighbor and friend. I will surely miss your friendly wave and shooting the shit with you.
Photo: Is not actually him but a friend of his racing in Ireland.
What a lovely tribute, Juls…I think he would have liked knowing you had this to say about him. I hope he was right.
:(
so sorry, Juls. Those little interactions add so much to our lives, and it hurts when one of them is gone, especially unexpectedly.
I feel the same way. If I die during a race, be jealous, not sad :-) Nicely put, Juls!
Poses interesting question– Is there such a thing as a “good death?” I’ve heard the term used describing dying while doing something that you love, or saving someone’s life, etc.
Well written…
To KG3’s question: I’d say that there is NOT such thing but perhaps this makes it easier. I’m not sure. I may have only been trying to make it better for me. And it worked until this morning when I read the details on the incident.
So sad….
So sad when someone’s life is cut short like that, though it does sound like he went out the way he wanted…sort of.