Life and Death

When Friends Bid a Silent Farewell

And they leave a hole in my life that grows as I age.

I have experienced over the past few years the passing of family and friends. All have been younger than me. Cancer has been a factor and, most times, a surprise.

My good friend and brother “Train” (I never knew his real name) passed untreated in a hospital bed because the insurance company refused to approve what doctors said he required to live.

Both of my younger brothers passed recently, one from cancer and one from suicide.

My brother’s suicide was brought about by the drugs he was given as a guinea pig for the mental hospital he was in. Standard practice until recently. Schizophrenic and bipolar, he was a genius with a 160+ IQ. My youngest brother was the epitome of good health. Then he learned he had esophageal cancer and had months to live.

Another “brother from another mother” of mine, “No Neck”, died while wrongly held in prison. The system wanted him dead. He was a biker who lived a hard life but had turned his life around. He was married and managed a large ranch. None of that mattered to the system. He was diagnosed with cancer in prison and left to die.

A roommate of mine from back in my twenties recently passed away from cancer. Another shock and surprise. She passed within months. Living an ideal life, caring for her family and horses and dogs, she was a beautiful person and loved life.

All were in their 60s and younger than me. Each one’s passing has left another hole in my armor, and a hole in my life.