It's pointless to ask why, but for some uncanny reason it seems to run in threes. The past few days have been horribly tough and tragic ones for friends in this blogging community. Otis, G-Rob and CJ lost a colleague and friend to an undiscovered brain tumor, Flipchip and Poker Prof bid farewell to their beloved Grandmother/Great-Grandmother, and I just learned Big Mike's mother passed away. I was on the phone with him just last night, too - a dial-a-beverage and arm-pulling to get me to the Bash in September. We were laughing and cajoling... he must've gotten the news shortly thereafter.
It's heartbreaking.
Below is a quote I pulled from a comment at CJ's blog Up for Anything which was submitted by whom, I presume, is his father. What is said about this community and the friends we've made here is priceless and something to hold on to during this sad time:
This tragic event can only underscore the importance of having and maintaining - working at - those friendships that you know are so dear to you - and fleeting, when you least expect them to be gone. Your generation - much as mine did - carries that feeling of invincibility, and you should. Life is not meant to be lived in fear of dying. Savoring every moment with those you love can not be underestimated in it's importance... When you can't make that call, or touch that hand, or share that laugh again, it's reality's call - no do'overs.
Otis, CJ, G-Rob, Poker Prof, Flipchip and Big Mike - my heart goes out to each of you. If not for this blog, our paths would never have crossed and I would have missed out these great friendships. The only downside is that distance prevents me from being there in person to commiserate, comfort and lend whatever support I can.
