Life

Real life intruded tonight into my virtual world as I received an email from an old high school friend while scanning the web.

First, A little background. Just before our senior year in high school, my family moved to California. Graciously, the families of my two best friends opened their homes for six months so that I could live with them while finishing up high school with my class. An act of love, I will never be able to repay either families or friends.

Forthwith, the email.

Subj: Ken is dying of cancer Hi Guys, We wanted to let you know that Ken will pass away sometime in the next several days after a long battle with gall bladder cancer. I have logged on Ken's computer to find your addresses and make this contact from his home. He is at home, medicated to the point of comfort and unable to live much longer. You could keep an eye on the XXX Herald, XX Trib or XXXX News for the next week to learn when his funeral services will be held. He loved you guys and I thought you should know his situation. God Bless, Dave X in behalf of Ken X

I called Ken's mom to offer my condolences. We caught each other up for the last 22 years of our lives. I relayed where I am living and the details of my family. She lost her husband last fall and is now losing her son. She passed along Ken's status--coma, sedated. I offered that who I am and the humor that I have is in no small way formed by my friendship with Ken. My views of the world, the ways that I look at things, have been influenced by the quirky friendship we shared. We played Dungeons & Dragons, Squad Leader, Third World War, Intellivision. We talked about girls. He encouraged me to take a creative writing class. Heck, we were arrested together. He is 6'4", having to duck in doorways. I am 5'5". He is white. I am Chinese, and in the state I lived in during those days, that meant something (think mid-West). As my dad says, a real Mutt and Jeff.

The suddenness of the news is shocking; I'm not sure what to think. I'll be 40 this year. Events such as this will happen more frequently, not less. There is more life behind than before. Rest in the security of Jesus. Remember to focus on what is important. Enjoy what is there. Start scanning the old hometown's newspaper. Hug loved ones tonight and remember what is precious. (Hint: It isn't the signed copy of Deathly Hallows).

Peace be unto you.