Billy Joel wrote these words that tend to come to mind whenever I lose someone close to me:
"Life is a series of hellos and good-byes. I'm afraid it's time for good-bye again". 

It seems that the past few years, between family and friends, I have had to say good-bye too often. At the beginning of the year an old friend from our old hockey team (The Buzzers), Romeo, passed away. He was in his 30's for God sake? Kids, wife...way too damn young! This past Spring, a man I met through Light of Day and someone who became a good friend, lost his battle with Parkinson's disease in his early 50's. Donny had an amazing sense of humour and he kept that with him right until the end! A few weeks ago, the bass player for one of our favorite bands, Stone Caravan, suddenly passed away. A wonderful man with a smile that we'll never forget. Mr. Lou was only in his mid-50's? And 2 weeks ago, a Wrestling legend and former Light of Day Canada show host, Rowdy Roddy Piper, joined Macho Man and many of his friends in the next life. I will never forget how gracious he was to all of us and how great he treated my son and his friends! Ever forward, Rod! 

The past few years, more and more people have moved on - Grandma, Aunt Mary, Aunt Vera, Dougie, Betty, Conni, Auntie Joyce...the list just keeps growing. Not to mention the passing of the great Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici from the E Street Band who were a big part of my life for 30 years! I guess it's a natural progression as you get older...but it doesn't make it any easier. I've never dealt with death very well...not sure if anyone really does!

If life is a series of hellos and good-byes, then it seems that we have been saying way too many good-byes as-of-late! All we can do is keep moving forward and hold on to the memories of those whom we have sadly had to say good-bye to...and in our hearts we simply look forward to meeting up with them again one day on "heaven's highest hill" (to quote Billy Falcon).

I guess what I've learned from all of this is we have to enjoy every day that we are above ground. We need to tell people that we love them when we have the chance. So, though it was a hard to say good-bye to all of these important people in my life, I was lucky enough to once have them in my life and I'll always remember them with big smiles and a warm heart, forever.

Rest in piece Romeo, Don, Roddy and Lou.

In the words of the late, great Warren Zevon...
Enjoy Every Sandwich