Five Good Men

I am thinking about five good men in my sphere of attention who have died quite unexpectedly or suddenly this year. All were well loved by many; all virtuous in their own unique ways and all will be greatly missed. Some were known to me personally but not famous. Others were famous or became famous at death, but were not known to me personally. Yet there is a common thread going on in these stories that I am having trouble putting into words other than they are five good men who were well loved and whose lives were snuffed out much faster than anyone could have imagined. In all cases, their sudden or quick deaths brought widespread visibility to their lives. Listed in order of when they died, by their first names and relationship to me.    

1. DAVID: Uncle . . age-related ailment and complications (age: 80 something) http://www.livingtreasureslosalamos.org/details.php?e=84

 2. SHANE: Family friend and father figure to my son for quite a few years. . . complications from cancer (age: 50 something) http://www.morrisnilsen.com/obituary/shane-r-hansell/

 3. TIM: Work colleague . . . depression/suicide (age: almost 30) http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/08/tim_allen_timberwolves_blogger_dead_by_suicide_at_29.php

4. JAHN: Friend of an old friend, and public figure among Jewish believers in Jesus and friends of theirs . . . quick death caused by brain injury from a fall on stairs in a NYC subway station (age: 60 something) http://blog.jforj.com/jhanmoskowitz

 5. CHRIS: Ambassador to Libya . . . . . terrorism/political-religious violence in a volatile country where he served nobly (age: 40 something) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Stevens_(diplomat) 

I guess the thread is something like this: We do not know how long we have those we love to be among us. We do not fully recognize some people’s great virtues until they are suddenly taken from us and those virtues shine crystal clear. Each of these people was uniquely special and made a deep impression and impact on those around them. The thought I keep having now is that we should keep on keeping on doing what we do best and being who we authentically are. Also we should not miss the glorious opportunities that we have every day to savor the life we are given in the here and now,.