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The 5 am phone call :(

by kenmichaels
11 replies
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You know it's never going to be a good news when it rings that early.
The hair on the back of my neck stood up before it finished the first ring.

One of the greatest male influences in my life, one of my true mentors
passed away just a few hours ago. Heart attack.

It's getting brutal, I'm barely into my 40's and most of my child hood pals,
family and long term acquaintances are dead. Dropping like friggen flies
  • Profile picture of the author positivenegative
    The hair on the back of my neck stood up . . . I'm barely into my 40's
    Ken, if it's any consolation most of the male UK royals tend to lose their hair at quite an early age as well. At least you've the one hair left, albeit in a blind spot. Look on the bright side though - a bottle of shampoo will last you at least 5 years!


    It's getting brutal, and most of my child hood pals, family and long term acquaintances are dead. Dropping like friggen flies
    On a serious note, yeah, life tends to and will be brutal at some stage . . . or for some folk, at every stage. Just give thanks for the time you did have with them all. There are those who've never had anyone.
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  • Profile picture of the author WalkingCarpet
    Banned
    I would never pick up the phone that early- even for a real really hot chick.
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    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
      Banned
      Originally Posted by WalkingCarpet View Post

      I would never pick up the phone that early- even for a real really hot chick.
      Somehow I don't think that's something you are ever going to have to worry about. If you get a call at 5 AM it will be your only friend informing you that the government authorities just left after questioning him about you and that they will more than likely be showing up at your door in a few minutes.

      Cheers. - Frank.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Sorry to hear that Ken. There aren't really any words that help when something like this happens.
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  • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
    Banned
    Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

    It's getting brutal, I'm barely into my 40's and most of my child hood pals, family and long term acquaintances are dead. Dropping like friggen flies
    Very sorry for your loss. Wait until you start knocking on 70 and there's hardly anyone left. And people ask why I appear to be so angry. I was the reckless fool that no one ever thought would live past 30. :-(

    Frank
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    • Profile picture of the author AprilCT
      Sorry to hear that. Hugs>>Ken<<Hugs. About the best I can do online. It is frightening when you lose a friend or family member. The last two years have been pretty brutal around here, too.
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
    Ken,

    Like many here, my heart goes out to you in your time of loss. We are both old enough to understand that only the passage of time will alleviate some of the "chest pain" involved.

    I think he would be proud and honored that you remember him as you do.

    Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

    One of the greatest male influences in my life, one of my true mentors
    I hope his influence and mentor-ship serves you for many years beyond his passing.

    All the best,

    Joe Mobley
    Signature

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    Follow Me on Twitter: @daVinciJoe
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    • Profile picture of the author Cali16
      Ken, I am so sorry to hear of your loss - my heart goes out to you. The fact that you regarded this person as one of the greatest influences and mentors in your life speaks volumes of the respect you had for him - and that is a great honor to his memory, as Joe mentioned above.

      I hope you have the opportunity to let his loved ones know how much he meant to you and the impact he had on your life, as that will help both you and them as you deal with this tremendous loss.
      Signature
      If you don't face your fears, the only thing you'll ever see is what's in your comfort zone. ~Anne McClain, astronaut
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    I'm sorry to hear this, Ken. I know that feeling. I've lost several high school pals this year.

    While a few of my friends started dropping by the time I hit your age, it hasn't been until the last few years I started losing them regularly. My father is 90 and had a party when he was 80 and one this year. The crowd had thinned dramatically this time. Many of the friends he had while I was growing up were gone now. One was brought to the party by her daughter and I'm not sure she knew exactly when or where she even was. Another one I rescued later when she fell in a bathroom stall and I was the only one "young" enough to be able to swing up over the door and get her out. It was an eerie day for me.

    When people my dad knew from my home town die now, I always think twice about telling him. It's got to be depressing at the least to see everyone falling in your path. We're just reaching ages that we're going to have to get used to it. I'm not sure that will be any too easy. About all we can ask for on this berg is to enjoy some lessons and laughs from those we care about while they're here, and hope for a pleasing punchline on the other side.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Sorry to hear that, Ken. It's always hard to lose those we care about. I'm at the age where I'm starting to see friends and acquaintances dying from health issues rather than mostly by accidents.

    It reminds us we're mortal.

    I offer you my condolences on your loss.
    Signature

    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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    • Profile picture of the author Karen Blundell
      Ken, please accept my sincere condolences for your loss -
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