another good one gone

today at work we got called into an emergency meeting and learned that one of our coworkers who'd been battling cancer passed away this morning. fuckin cancer takes another good soul.

while i didn't know Hal very well, i know he was a good soul. a kind, smart, funny human being. and i'll never forget when one day, after a matter of about a week, i saw how quickly he was deteriorating right in front of our eyes. and i couldn't help but be taken back to seeing the same in my mom, and so quickly. so while i hoped he would survive the ultimate battle, i also could see he was very sick. so i just hoped for his sake he didn't suffer much. and now, today, i just hope he's at peace. my heart breaks for his family. his wife called our agency within one hour of his passing b/c per his final wishes, he wanted his coworkers to know right away b/c he felt such a connection to the agency. and i can't help but think about that day for me, how raw and mindblowing it is all at the same time. feelings no one should have to feel.

i felt sick to my stomach when i learned the news. it was tough for everyone to swallow. but of course it brought back some tough tough memories for me. so i took a walk down to the ocean w/ my boss and had a moment where i wished peace for Hal and thought, I hope my mom and he find one another b/c they would probably get along well.

so once again life reminds us that it's precious, and often times way shorter than it should be. so whatever you're debating doing tomorrow, go do it. b/c you just never know what lies ahead. and for those of you who are near and dear to me, know i love you and appreciate you. take this virtual hug and know i'm grateful for all of you. xoxo.