Someone please...pinch me?
This has to be a dream...
He's not REALLY gone, right? I mean, he can't be. He's my age.
But he is. My friend Mark...Higgy as we affectionately knew him in high school died today, October 13, 2008. I don't know any details yet, only that he is gone and I'm experiencing a pain I didn't expect.
Mark and I hadn't kept in close contact since graduation, but we did talk occasionally when he was home on leave or stationed overseas. He'd reassure me that things really weren't "that bad" over there and that Jeff would be safe if the day came that he had to deploy again. Mark said he'd already taken care of the "bad" guys so it would be safe. Anytime that we did get a chance to talk, we picked up as if we'd never stopped talking in the first place. It's funny how it takes something so tragic to show you how amazing and wonderful someone was. You know...when you can't thank them for being who they are anymore..
It also puts a lot of things into perspective for me. As a Christian, I do know that if I were to die I'd see my family again. I know they are all ready to meet their Lord, so that isn't a worry, but what IS a concern is missing out on the here and now. How many times have I told Jeff we'd "do something later" or that I was "too tired" when we could have gone out together and made a memory? How many times have I held back letting someone know what they mean to me and that I appreciate them because I was afraid I'd look foolish...only to not see them again or wonder if that was the last chance I might have to say those things? What friends have I pushed away or not made in the first place because I'd rather "stay home, just for tonight" or postponed a playdate/group meeting/bible study/etc with? Why do I not take my own advice when I tell others to live for NOW and not for tomorrow? To enjoy their moments today because we never are promised the next breath we may take?
My heart goes out to Mark's family. I wish there were something I could physically do for you all, but since I can't be there in person, know that my heart, my prayers and my love are with you all.
Higgy. I love you. You were like a brother to me and I'll never forget you.
He's not REALLY gone, right? I mean, he can't be. He's my age.
But he is. My friend Mark...Higgy as we affectionately knew him in high school died today, October 13, 2008. I don't know any details yet, only that he is gone and I'm experiencing a pain I didn't expect.
Mark and I hadn't kept in close contact since graduation, but we did talk occasionally when he was home on leave or stationed overseas. He'd reassure me that things really weren't "that bad" over there and that Jeff would be safe if the day came that he had to deploy again. Mark said he'd already taken care of the "bad" guys so it would be safe. Anytime that we did get a chance to talk, we picked up as if we'd never stopped talking in the first place. It's funny how it takes something so tragic to show you how amazing and wonderful someone was. You know...when you can't thank them for being who they are anymore..
It also puts a lot of things into perspective for me. As a Christian, I do know that if I were to die I'd see my family again. I know they are all ready to meet their Lord, so that isn't a worry, but what IS a concern is missing out on the here and now. How many times have I told Jeff we'd "do something later" or that I was "too tired" when we could have gone out together and made a memory? How many times have I held back letting someone know what they mean to me and that I appreciate them because I was afraid I'd look foolish...only to not see them again or wonder if that was the last chance I might have to say those things? What friends have I pushed away or not made in the first place because I'd rather "stay home, just for tonight" or postponed a playdate/group meeting/bible study/etc with? Why do I not take my own advice when I tell others to live for NOW and not for tomorrow? To enjoy their moments today because we never are promised the next breath we may take?
My heart goes out to Mark's family. I wish there were something I could physically do for you all, but since I can't be there in person, know that my heart, my prayers and my love are with you all.
Higgy. I love you. You were like a brother to me and I'll never forget you.
Would this be Mark Higashamura? Oh my goodness! I sat next to him in band for 7 years. This is surreal. I'm so sorry. I am praying for his mom and brother. Can you tell me what happened to him?
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss, thinking of you during this time.
ReplyDelete