My flight home to L.A. was delayed this morning and I checked my email while waiting at the airport. I received an email from Trina about one of my best friends from high school. She told me she'd been reading the Seattle Times this morning and saw an article that Kevin's son Steven, 17 years old, was killed in a car crash this week.
There are no punch lines. No quips. No easy answers. She had given me Kevin's phone number earlier this week, since I haven't talked to him in 2 or 3 years. I'd planned to call him when I got home.
Now I don't know what to say.
I have a 17 year old nephew named Max. He's about the greatest kid in the world. I don't tell him nearly often enough. He's growing up, becoming a man, making decisions, learning. The thought of losing him senselessly is overwhelming - and he's not even my son, though he's the closest thing I've ever had.
Many of my friends have sons and daughters near Steven's age. They've experienced a joy I may never have. My heart goes out to Kevin. I wish there was something I could do, some way to make it better.
I guess the one thing I can say is what Trina said when she sent me the email - every day with your loved ones is a gift. Take advantage of every opportunity. Live every day like it counts.
This week has been a celebration of connection with people I have known, people I love. It's been a very good week. Seeing my classmates, even those I didn't know well before. Visiting with my aunt and uncle for the first time in years. Staying with my dad and stepmom. Hanging out with my nephew and visiting with my mom and sister. Seeing my best friend from junior high school last night for the first time in 33 years and being amazed at the man he's grown into - totally unexpected and inspiring - he drove all the way from Seattle down to Portland just to spend a couple of hours drinking beer and connecting - and taught me things about life along the way.
Steven's death brings clearly into focus what should be clear all the time. Life is short. Love is essential.
Give love. Live life. Love God.
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