Yesterday was filled with the formal goodbyes to a good family friend. He was a truly great man; a compassionate physician, an inspiring teacher, a pioneering researcher who advanced the treatment of kidney disease, a guiding hand who helped create a world-class medical center. He was an influence to all he came across, whether that was to help them heal from disease, or to help them appreciate this old world by his joie de vivre. Behind those 72 year old eyes, there was a mischievous spirit who delighted in practical jokes and couldn’t tolerate pretention or bullshit. The mark of true gentleman, to my mind.
As a physician, he was exemplary. He helped to build the hospital here, and always stressed the importance of treating everybody, no matter their ability to pay. He was the son of a writer, and the father of two writers, and took a strong role in encouraging other writers, both in spirit and endowment.
He was taken unexpectedly, and way too soon. His family has been a constant inspiration; their friendship and generousity has enriched my family for a lifetime.
And now I’m lacking words. There aren’t any to say how much I feel for their loss. The hundreds of people at the memorial service, the beautiful gesture of a constant stream of folks bringing food to the family… It just seems so unfair; this wasn’t the time for this man, who was so full of life and actively made the world a better place, to go.
So, y’all, this Christmas, hold those you love especially close. Cherish and delight in each other. It can be taken away so quickly, even to the best of us.
Peace Be With All Y’all.