Farewells

I remember when I was younger I would often feel happy that I didn't know anyone who died. I mean I knew of people dying, but I didn't really know anybody. That, of course, is a short lived period. Indeed, not only is it short lived, but it also accelerates in the other direction as age comes to you. You will start hearing that people who were your contemporaries are passing away. It is a very sobering thought. 

I recently learned that a friend of mine, and fellow Marine, died this week. I didn't keep in contact with him much after getting out. I tend to let relationships drift off; it's something I need to work on. Anyway, his name, was Neil Favaron. Being in the Marines we just called him Favaron. He was one of those guys who just knew stuff. You could talk about any subject and he would be able too add something substantive to it. He was also served in the armory (so everyone tried to be good to him). He was a good guy, plain and simple. 

It was shocking to hear of his death. He was not much older than I am, and he was certainly too young, in my opinion, to die. My heart goes out to his parents who will face the nightmarish task of lowering the child, whom they witnessed be born, into the ground. I wish this on no parent. And I hope God gives them, and all those who loved Favaron, the grace to continue. 

Requiescat in pace, my man. 

Favaron is next to the skinny black guy with bad posture (me) on the right.