Last week was a tough one for me and my fiance. Our good friend and neighbor was unheard of for several days and, after concerns grew when we noticed his car still in the drive and no news or activity at home, his dialysis center was contacted. They said he missed 2 appointments and we called the police. Upon gaining entry to his home, he was found seizing and unconcious on the floor. After transportation to the hospital, it was determined that he suffered a heart attack and stroke on Monday evening. He was not found until Thursday morning.
Mitchel passed this past Saturday at 9:30am.
He was my first good friend here, having met him on the day I interviewed. We formed a friendship and, while he was very guarded and private with most acquaintances, we counted ourselves lucky to call him a friend.
It was tough to see him in such a state at the hospital, hooked to every machine in the room and having virtually no brain function.
This is a snapshot from not that long ago, and this is the Mitchel I choose to remember. Vibrant, full of energy, opinionated, obstinate, stubborn, goofy...my friend.
Rest in peace, Mitchel. We miss you.
...but I know you'd give me hell if you knew I was upset. :-)
Love, Jake
=============== I add, only to be completely fair and honest, I don't recall if I took this photo, or my fiance. I know it came from the camera she uses, but I snap pictures with it once and a while. Frankly, I don't care.
Warmest regards Jacob and my deepest personal respects go to all the family and friends of this interesting looking person; Mitchel! As is so often true, one never seems ready to let go. Even if it's been a health issue and should come as no suprise, people are often unprepared for this kind of thing. But luckily . . . you get to count yourself among those that did get a chance to know Mitchel . . . and for that bonus to your life . . . you now pay the cost in grief. A fair and worthy price . . . by any measure. And an enormously happy tribute photo . . . that shows a joy of life! The face in that photo is the face of a person who'd like to be remembered like he was in that photo . . . and you did that remarkably well for him. A true tribute . . . very well done!
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{K:174121} 10/14/2006
