In search of serenity

“Yesterday is history,
tomorrow’s a mystery.
Today is a gift -
that’s why they call it the present.”

I was first told the above phrase by a friend of mine, the same friend who called me today with some grim news. A mutual friend of ours died last night of an overdose. The paramedics tried to revive him but were unsuccessful.

I hadn’t talked to him in quite awhile (unfortunate, since he lives less than a mile from me), so I contacted him last night and asked if he wanted to get together.   He said that he wanted to, but had some plans that might fall though, and would give me a call later.  I texted him at 6:30pm last night to see what he was up to.  He said his plans fell through, but he had some unexpected visitors. No problem – we decided to raincheck it.

I just got the call tonight a little after 8:00pm. He had a lot of issues with depression, which caused him to use, which got him into trouble, which contributed to his low self-worth.  It was a vicious cycle.   I guess I always hoped and assumed that he would eventually pull through.

It is a sureal feeling to talk to someone and then find out they are gone the next day.   Rest in peace, good friend.

December 6th, 2008  People   Tags: addiction, death, friends, sad, more...

Mr. T Diabetes Fundraiser

Chris Mischler, a dude in my high school class and whom I attended UW-Eau Claire with, is raising money for diabetes research.  It’s a good cause, and he’s gone to some amazing lengths to accomplish his goals…

“A month ago, I had a full head of hair, no beard, no piercings, and no tattoos. I challenged my friends, family and coworkers to raise money for diabetes research, and at specified targets, I would make myself look more like Mr. T. They reached all the goals faster than I ever imagined, and pretty much turned a normal guy from Milwaukee into a Mr. T look-alike, albeit much smaller and more pale.”

My family has been ravaged by both cancer and diabetes, so I think this is a good cause.  His next goal is a “I pity the fool” tattoo at $2500.  Join the cause, join in the fun!

• Chris’s MySpace blog entry
• Firstgiving page (donate here)
• Digg: White guy becoming Mr. T (for a good cause) (donate here)

November 5th, 2008  Family & Friends   Tags: challenge, charity, diabetes, friends, fundraising, more...