Dying

A good friend of ours was told yesterday he has a few months to live. He has a terminal form of cancer that is inoperable. My husband was working on the computer when he received the email regarding the news. I was so shocked. He has been sick for several months, however; it never ocurred to me how sick he could be. My son grew to appreciate and respect this man on a mission trip last summer to the Applachian trail. They all had such a great time working hard, helping build things, meeting people, seeing the world through less fortunate eyes for a change. I was thinking about this when I realized my daughter will not get to experience this on her mission trip. I realized what will be gone when he is gone. His strong love of life. He is so involved in doing for others.He loves young people and doesn't mind being with them.A laugh so deep.Eyesthat sparkle with wisdom and patience. He has the love of his family because he has been there for them. He has prom pictures, first event pictures, of his grandchildren, other children and my children. He attended my daughter's first football game to cheer. He took pictures and immediately emailed them to me. What will be missing when he is gone? How many men of 80 years will be standing in the middle of loud, mouthy young people and want to be there? How many 80 year old men will have lived life with no regrets of wanting to be more? How many 80 year old men will touch a 13 year old boy's life? Regrets of which he has none because he has lived life fully each day for someone else. He has made a choice to be an active part of people's life when other choices were easier. He has left an impression on many people that will never die.