This week I went to the funeral of a dear friend who passed at the way too early age of 57. There are people in your life you have an instant bond with that carries on everyday even if you may not live near or see each other much. He and I would always give each other a warm embrace hello and good bye. When I told him of my visiting patients in the hospital, I could feel his pride in me doing this holy work. That meant so much to me because of his intense devotion to being Jewish and being the son of a Rabbi. We both shared a commitment that we were put on earth to do the Will of The Sustainer of Life.
We met through being fellow volunteers for the American Cancer Society Bike a Thon. His father graciously allowed the Synagogue to be a rest stop for our then sixty one mile bike ride. After his father’s passing my friend picked up the torch and continued the tradition until the ride outgrew the Synagogue. No problem he found another location for us. His rest stop was known for many wonderful things especially the music he would play on the loudspeaker. As one who also loves music and needed a pick me up, I so loved coming my dear friend’s rest stop to hear the music and embrace my dear friend.
The most lasting memory will be a night we had dinner at a New Jersey diner. As usual we stayed way past our plan and the place had cleared out with the exception of one couple. The two looked like they hated each other and life itself. The two looked retired but not with a lot of money. You could feel their hardship a few tables away. As we went to pay the bill the couple came up behind us. My friend allowed them to go ahead of us with such kindness and respect it changed the two instantly. Their faces lit up, they seemed to wink at each other and suddenly they looked healthy.
What made this so special is that is how he related to everyone. I am very informal and cannot stand when someone calls me sir. Of course friends do it to lovingly harass me. Hey what are friends for? At first I made fun of him but only to myself. After that night I realized he knew what all of us being created in the Image of G-d truly meant. When I saw of it made those people feel, I began to try to show respect to everyone. What a great way to live.
My friend personified family man. His kids spoke so lovingly of him along with his wonderful wife and everyone else. As I told others involved in Bike a Thon the love and respect all had for my friend touched me so deeply.
He will live on in me. My volunteer chaplaincy began in many ways with my friend showing me how valuable every life is. We are all created in the Divine Image. We serve our creator when we treat G-d’s children with respect we are all due. Search for the Divine in everyone and you will find more joy than you ever thought possible.
May you and your loved ones be Blessed with the insight, wisdom, strength and courage to find happiness in your fellow human beings who come into your life. My friend shall live on in my as I search to find the light in everyone I touch and who touches me.
