Tim

I walk in the door at work, clock in and am immediately approached by a co-worker with news that another co-worker had died in his sleep over the weekend.

And it never becomes ordinary or accepted to hear that. Even as it becomes more frequent as years pass by and add up. 

My reaction at the news: A drawn out, "Fuuuuuck." ..... then the thoughts of 'No way, I just saw him a day ago. He just wished me a good day." 

And I really don't like to think about these things any longer. You know?? Once you come to recognize that your own remaining time isn't unlimited. But occasionally you have to deal with the emotions and reactions. Because it was someone you had a little bit of a friendship with. Someone I connected with in a small but significant (to me) way.

I heard that he was taking care of his parents. I wonder how they're doing with this. He was only a few years younger than I am. So, his parents must be quite elderly. And no parent should have to learn of their child's passing.

I don't want to mis-represent things ..... I didn't know much about him. We mostly exchanged daily hellos and he'd pass on any, 'need-to-know' information. Maybe a tidbit of gossip or humor occasionally. He was a friendly face each morning.

And I felt and still feel, shaken.

I don't want this to be more about myself than it is about him but I just don't know much about Tim's world and life. I only met him three or four years ago when our company went bankrupt, and the buyer that stepped in, merged two separate facilities. One evening, at a time that we both had different job titles, he stepped in to help when I needed assistance with getting things done. It wasn't expected of him and he had his own duties to worry about but he did it anyway.

I've since always been appreciative, and he's always been friendly, even as my ever growing, non-morning-person personality must have been obvious. 

We've both found our way into different roles in this place where we cross paths for a few minutes each day.

(To Be Continued)