Today I found out that a friend I worked closely with every day for over three years suddenly died Friday night. After I left that job three years ago I saw him now and again, always catching up and having a laugh. Just over two weeks ago while training, I ran into him as he was now working where I was training. We had a chat and a laugh like we always did. I would never have imagined that would be the last time I'd run into him. He was only two years older than me, young and full of passion. He was unique and a good guy and it's hard to accept that he's gone. I was so completely shocked when I heard, it's hard to know what to do. I've been fortunate in my life to have never known someone who has died, so it's a new feeling for me. I think what's most shocking is the fact that he was there one day and just gone the next.

We all think about it on occasion, or when something happens. But it's amazing how fragile life is. How at anytime anyone can be gone just like that and we have no control over it. Had he known what was going to happen to him, would he have gone to work the day before? What would he have done different? I don't believe in those sayings like 'live life to the fullest' and all that because let's face it, for most of us life is tough, and I don't say that in a cynical way. It is, life is tough, it's horrible and wonderful at the same time, a struggle and an experience. Despite this knowledge of knowing you could be gone tomorrow, we still get up and go to work, we pay our bills and so on because that's reality. But it's in the small things where we can make a difference, where we can try and live as happy as we can and really cherish and enjoy the special moments when we have them. So all I can do is say farewell and know that this experience has left it's mark in my heart and soul.

Rest in peace Jamie D.