I just found out that my friend and landlord, Dave, died a week ago. He was a wonderful man– always kind and helpful, taking much more than simply a passing interest in my life and wellbeing.
I didn’t know him very well, but we were friends. He was an especially good friend to me last summer when I was living by myself for the first time and was totally stressed out with school. He watched my dog Cocoa for me on occasion and even joined me on a few walks with her. I really enjoyed the few beautiful summer mornings that I joined him for a cup of coffee on his front porch while he read the paper and I read Chaucer for class.
Fall semester started and tons of people rushed back into my life and school, life, and relationships hit me like a freight train. I saw less and less of Dave, though we still talked on occasion, mostly by phone. He was a man who really loved people. He loved his work, and he was good at it. He loved his family and talked about them often, especially his son and grandchildren. He is an example and a blessing to me.
Dave was someone who was literally right next door who cared for me and who I cared for. I don’t think that I was there for him the way I should have been during the school year, mostly for very selfish and inadequate reasons. However, his care meant a lot to me, and I know that had I been there for him in the fall and spring the way that he had for me that it would have been very meaningful to him.
Dave wasn’t a Christian. I don’t really know what to say besides, that really sucks. I think that is all that I can say.
I pray that God will bless Dave’s family, and use this event to work in their lives.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
