Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Rest in Peace, Julie

I had a whole other blog lined up today – but it will have to wait. I may have mentioned this before, but a close friend of mine is getting married this Saturday – I’ve known him since I was around 7 years old, and we’ve been close friends ever since. I was honored when he asked me to be in his wedding, and couldn’t wait for it – it promised to be a good time.

Sadly, today, Anthony lost his mom – she finally lost a long, hard battle with emphysema. Anthony texted me the news about ½ hour ago – I nearly threw up on my cell phone. I immediately called him and left a blubbering message, basically telling him I’m here for him if there is anything he needs. I feel sick to my stomach.

I can’t even imagine what he is going through right now, all the extra planning needed prior to the wedding – I’m not even sure what’s going to happen. I’m sure he feels helpless right now. I’m not sure if the viewing and funeral services will be done prior to or after the wedding. If I were in his shoes, I’m not sure how I’d be able to digest all of this right now.

Did I mention, I feel awful? This wedding is supposed to be the happiest day of his life, but how can that possibly happen now? I’ll do everything I possibly can to try and divert his attention, even temporarily, at the wedding. I’m just speechless – I don’t know what to say or do right now. He has great friends and family, and we’ll all help him and his fiancé in any way we can … it’s really all we can do at this point.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm sure he knows you're there for him. And at times like this that's all someone needs sometimes.

snowelf said...

Aww, Los...I'm so sorry for your friend--what rotten timing... hugs to all of you.

--snow

Superstar said...

OK, my tears are falling, as I am typing. I do know how it feel to lose my Mom, and the emotions are still raw.

The funny bone in me, I can't help but think of that movie, I think it's called 3 weddings and a funeral, or was it 3 funerals and a wedding? Anyway, that popped into my head, while I was wipping the tears and knowing how hard your friends next days and weeks will be.

Lisa said...

Please tell davers how sorry i am for his loss. it's horrible anyway, but the timing just makes it an unbelievably difficult situation -- a clash of the happiest and saddest times of his life.

you're such a good person los, i know you'll be a great friend to him. .... babs

Jeff said...

Entirely understood. A close college friend had to dramatically change her wedding when her father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. So she moved it up 6 months, drastically reduced the event, and disinvited all but immediate family. Good thing, too -- her father barely survived that long.

Being disinvited didn't offend me. In dire times, you do what you have to do, and true friends will support and help you.

El Padrino said...

death waits for no one

maybe my post today will give you some levity

minijonb said...

ugh. i felt kinda sick just reading this. i can't imagine what your friend is going through. i'm sure you'll be there for him with whatever he needs from you.

Ken said...

If anyone can cheer your buddy up it's you LOS.

smialek316 said...

Los, how the hell are you? This is Steve's friend Matt from Boston. I have not spoken to you since Steve's wedding in may of '07. I am very sorry to hear about your friend's mom's passing. I lost my Mom to Cancer last December, so I know exactly what he is going through. It is never easy to lose a loved one. He does not know me, but please let he and the rest of his family, are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care. Talk to you soon. How about those Celtics??? Just kidding!!

The Rev said...

You will help him get through it. Because you are one of the good guys in this world, my friend.

My best to Davers as well. He is also one of the good guys.

The Preacherman said...

rotten luck old bean.

Now if my mother had done that it would have been a hell of a good day!!!

KatBouska said...

Oh man....That's such a tough situation. It's funny because I lost my Dad when I was a little girl. I would hear about people in their 30's losing their parents and I wondered why they were so sad. I mean...30 was so...OLD.

Now of course, I'd be destroyed if my Mom died. I can't imagine what he must be feeling right before his wedding. That she couldn't even be there for that special day...hopefully he can look at it as a night to forget his troubles and just focus on the new life he is starting with his wife.

I hope he's ok...

Los said...

Alaina - We had a good time - we made the most of it.

Snowelf - Thanks for the well wishes!

Superstar - I knew you'd be able to relate.

Lisa - I gave him your best.

Jeff - I guess things could always be worse, right?

ElP - Great post!

Minijonb - I'm guessing today it will all sink in.

Reverse - I did my best.

Matt - What's up, man! It must be really tough living in Boston right about now ...

Rev - I gave Davers your best.

Street Preacher - Certainly a different circumstance ... his mom was, well ... nicer.

Hey Mama - did you change your website address?