RIP, my friend

It's very sad for me to report that I lost a friend over the weekend. As I'm sure is common amongst a majority of people, whenever someone I know passes on, I start reflecting on my own life and life in general.

My friend, Gary, led quite a life. Having fun seemed to be easy for him throughout most of his 64 years, but then when he was diagnosed with cancer 7 years ago and given 6 months to live, he proved time and time again he was the ultimate fighter too. Throughout it all, he continued to live life on his terms, much to the dismay of his doctors, for if he was going to die, he was going to die with a smile on his face. While I probably wouldn't advise people with a similar condition to do this, my friend wasn't about following rules; he was about simultaneously defying odds and enjoying himself as much as life would allow him. Through this, he inspired me and earned my utmost respect.

I think one reason I felt a special connection with Gary, who was 30 years older than myself, is because we'd both continually overcome health obstacles throughout our lives, and no matter what the doctors told us with regard to our odds or the seemingly endless negative possibilities, we refused to back down. When I was sick throughout 2009 and 2010, bounced around like a pinball between clinics in Columbus and Cleveland, I was told the mystery condition could be permanent, could be multiple sclerosis, could result in me needing my legs amputated. I was like a vegetable most days, where I couldn't drive, couldn't work, could hardly even walk, yet I refused to give up the fight, and one big reason for that was Gary. Even though his smile, laugh, words, and demeanor might have suggested otherwise, he was a fighter through and through, and greatly inspired me to not give up either. Now, whenever life throws another health obstacle my way, I simply look to Gary to provide me a sense of hope and encouragement. I only wish I could continue to return the favor for him. Gary was a very bright and creative man, never short on the laughs and never short on the fight. After a hard-fought 7 years, the world still took this man too soon. I just hope he never has to feel any pain again and realizes how many people, myself included, he inspired along the way. You'll be greatly missed, Gary. We love you. Rest in peace, my friend.