Books and other stuff I feel like discussing
By education and experience - Accountant with a specialty in taxation. Formerly a CPA (license has lapsed). Masters degree in law of taxation from University of Denver. Now retired. Part time work during baseball season as receptionist & switchboard operator for the Colorado Rockies. This gig feeds my soul in ways I have trouble articulating. One daughter, and four grandchildren. I share the house with two cats; a big goof of a cat called Grinch (named as a joke for his easy going "whatever" disposition); and Lady, a shelter adoptee with a regal bearing and sweet little soprano voice. I would be very bereft if it ever becomes necessary to keep house without a cat.
Mood:
Contemplative
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Thinking about friendship
I was planning to write about an embarassing, but relatively unimportant event at the airport as I traveled to the far flung offspring's home, but something more important intervened, and I've found myself thinking more serious thoughts.
A good friend died about a week ago. We had seen each other face to face only a handful of times - he lived in Toronto, and I'm in Colorado. But, of kindred minds because of a love of reading, we attended the same conventions on several occasions.
I now understand that his health in recent years had not been the best, but it was very easy to shove that knowledge to the back of my mind when we saw each other. He always had a warm smile, a big hug, and a genuine interest in "catching up" with vacation destinations, worthwhile books we had both read, updates on both our families, and just chatting about the miscellaneous things friends discuss with each other.
Things went downhill after recent major surgery and he slipped away from his wife, his family, and his worldwide friends. And I am completely serious when I say "worldwide." In this age of email and internet discussion groups people in Australia, Argentina, Canada, the UK, across the US, and probably many other locations as well, reacted with dismay and grief.
Messages for his family have poured in, a webpage of condolence has been set up, and gifts given to a hospital in his memory.
And while Mr Woodstock and I have thought of him often and remembered his smile, I am also moved by the new character of friendship in the age of the Internet. Miles are no longer a hindrance to "keeping in touch." Updating sorrowful friends on his family's wish for a memorial takes place at a minimal cost in dollars; involving only a commitment of time which one or two friends immediately volunteered to provide.
I was so lucky to have had face to face contact with my friend, beginning in late 2001 and continuing to a little over a year ago. And I've realized that the Internet has provided me with many friends like him.
Thinking about his life and his friendship have made me think about and be grateful for so many other friends. I don't know you all in face to face style, but I do KNOW you. Thanks for being there - and long life and health to you all.
In his memory.
A good friend died about a week ago. We had seen each other face to face only a handful of times - he lived in Toronto, and I'm in Colorado. But, of kindred minds because of a love of reading, we attended the same conventions on several occasions.
I now understand that his health in recent years had not been the best, but it was very easy to shove that knowledge to the back of my mind when we saw each other. He always had a warm smile, a big hug, and a genuine interest in "catching up" with vacation destinations, worthwhile books we had both read, updates on both our families, and just chatting about the miscellaneous things friends discuss with each other.
Things went downhill after recent major surgery and he slipped away from his wife, his family, and his worldwide friends. And I am completely serious when I say "worldwide." In this age of email and internet discussion groups people in Australia, Argentina, Canada, the UK, across the US, and probably many other locations as well, reacted with dismay and grief.
Messages for his family have poured in, a webpage of condolence has been set up, and gifts given to a hospital in his memory.
And while Mr Woodstock and I have thought of him often and remembered his smile, I am also moved by the new character of friendship in the age of the Internet. Miles are no longer a hindrance to "keeping in touch." Updating sorrowful friends on his family's wish for a memorial takes place at a minimal cost in dollars; involving only a commitment of time which one or two friends immediately volunteered to provide.
I was so lucky to have had face to face contact with my friend, beginning in late 2001 and continuing to a little over a year ago. And I've realized that the Internet has provided me with many friends like him.
Thinking about his life and his friendship have made me think about and be grateful for so many other friends. I don't know you all in face to face style, but I do KNOW you. Thanks for being there - and long life and health to you all.
In his memory.
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