Your Suffering Is Over, My Friend

Just a little over 90 minutes ago I lost a dear friend of mine, Markus Strobl, to esophogeal cancer. As much as this hurts and as much as I am crying so many tears right now, I have to admit, this is what I have been praying for the past few days.

Markus and I met at the post office when I was still working there as the window clerk many years ago and slowly over those years, we each got to know the other one better and after working together on the Summer Concert Series closely we became very good and close friends.

Even thru all his pain and suffering in recent weeks, that famous Markus Strobl smile stayed ever present, and I can't imagine how hard it had to have been for him to do that at times.

If everyone could have the attitude, temperment and sense of humor that Markus possessed, the world would be a much kinder and peaceful place.

Markus wasn't afraid of hard work, he wasn't afraid to volunteer and he wasn't afraid to lead. And thru it all, right up until a few weeks ago, he was ready to do more than his fair share.

My life is richer for having known him and for having him as a friend. I will miss him beyond words and look forward to the day that my friend and I can sit and talk and laugh together once again.

As of yet, I can't accept the fact that in this life, however, I'm never going to be able to do any of those things with him again.

The last time I saw him was as he was leaving one of our concerts a few weeks ago with his loving and caring girlfriend Pam. Tired as he was, walking to his car with his cane and Pam supporting his tiring body, he put his arms around me and held me and told me he loved me, and of course, in return, I told him the same.

I wish I had known then that it would be the last time I saw him alive.

I would have told him so much more, I am sure.

Life is too short, my Faithful Few. Let those around you and those that are in your life know how you feel about them, and make sure you TELL them and SHOW them.

You never know when that last chance will pass and you won't get the chance to again.

Rest In Peace, Markus Strobl. I love you and will miss you beyond description.

Until our reunion down the road, however long that may be...