To friends lost...

When I was in college my roommate's boyfriend drowned. Not long after, my brother lost his best friend, a kid we had all grown up with, in a train accident. They were both young men, with so much potential...

In the past 72 hours I have lost two more friends. Two more men with so much more to do in this world, or so it seemed.

Paul was only 54 (OK, so my definition of young has changed a little). As long as I had known him he had been living with his folks, helping to take care of them in their older age. His father died maybe two months ago. His mother is grieving again, much too soon. Paul was a kind-hearted man who loved Michigan football and hydroplane races and NASCAR. He could have a conversation with anyone and make them feel like they'd known him for years. So welcoming.

And then Dave. Only 35. He had so much talent and potential. He worked so hard, cared so much. A huge fan of rock music, he loved Kiss, Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones. He watched the idiots on MTV's Real World. He couldn't wait for WrestleMania in Detroit. He was so positive. Such a perfect gentleman. It's seems he'd only just come into his own, and now it's cut short.

I will never understand why these things happen. I only hope I can take something from from each of them to become a better person.