A Life Well Lived

Eight years ago today my best friend Mike passed away after a courageous two and a half year battle with cancer.

It was a Friday morning just after 9:00 am when I got the call. I knew right away. I sat in my office as tears rolled down my face. After composing myself I went for a walk around the block and reminisced.

The last time I saw Mike was the week before at the local folk festival. He was sitting at the picnic table in the shade with purple and pink dyed hair, a portable oxygen tank at his side. As the music waffled in the background, Mike told me he had 3-6 months to live. My final words to him were bless you and thank you Mike.

I walked away knowing this was the last time I would see my best friend.

We met in university as members of the men's basketball team. I was the student manager he was the athletic trainer. Friends in the truest form for the next 25 years. He accepted me for who I was. We talked and shared everything and even tried to solve the world's problems. He shared the same passion for sports, current events and history that I did.

We would do anything for each other, one night he called me at 3:00 am, he got sick at work and needed a ride home. Without hesitation I picked him up and drove him home.

After many years of trying he finally got me to volunteer at the folk fest with him. Damm near fell off his chair at the bar when I said yes.

Mike loved a challenge and in 2003 accepted the challenge to climb the second highest mountain in the world. Conquer the mountain he did. He was my hero, my rock. He knew when I was feeling depressed and low. He always had the right words to say, things to do to cheer me up.

In 2005 when they found a tumour, he saw it as another challenge to conquer. He embraced it and was determined to beat the cancer. We went on our yearly football road trip. He savoured the experience and company each time. Our talks were deeper and more spiritual in nature. We cherished every moment.

I miss him and when he passed I was sad and full of joy at the same time for being  a true friend in his life. I think about Mike all the time and know that you are watching over me. I will hoist a beer for you.