Last Thursday one of my coworkers, whom I considered a good friend, went out with several members of the department he worked in to have a farewell party, as Friday was his last day of work. He was quitting his job to relocate to Texas with his son who lived here with him to be close to his other son already in Texas.
By all accounts it was a good time and everyone was happy. People left and he stayed behind to continue relaxing. It was getting late in the evening. What happened next is a bit unclear but Greg was found out front of the location with a major head wound and other injuries. Initial speculation was that he had been beaten and robbed.
Fortunately he was still wearing his company shirt so authorities eventually were able to contact his family and then us. Doctors worked valiantly to save him performing operations to relieve the pressure in his brain and stop the bleeding.
As they worked on him and did tests, it was decided that he had suffered a major stroke. Further tests would show him to be brain dead. News of this went through the company like wildfire. Everyone was completely stunned.
We plodded on with our day as we still had things to do and get done, but not a moment went by where someone didn’t think of our coworker and friend in the hospital.
Over the weekend Greg’s family was able to gather and when all tests pointed to him being brain dead, they made the decision to let him go and removed his life support on Saturday, October 28th, 2006.
It is my hope and belief that Greg went quickly, without suffering, and peacefully, having just spent time reveling with his fellow coworkers and friends. I am also thankful that his family was able to gather to be there to lovingly release his mortal self from this world, as his spirit had gone on before it.
In my particular faith, we honor those who have passed before us and celebrate their lives. As I type this, I can picture him clearly now as I usually saw him – in the kitchen at work, grabbing a cup of coffee, with a smile on his face and ready to talk about darn near anything. I will miss him, but at the same time, I am grateful to have known him and called him friend.
Goodnight my friend. You are journeying across the diving water that lies between this world and the next, carried away by the ferryman on your way. Look ahead of you, do not look behind. Look ahead of you, where your destiny lies. Do you see them? They are there, ahead of you on the other shore. Slowly they become visible to you; the shining ones appear slowly out of the concealing mists. Clearly they appear to you, though hidden in form from our eyes. Go to them, they welcome you. Go to them, not stopping for farewells. Holy Ones in the world beyond, open wide your arms to receive this one who is journeying to you. Make him a home, bring him to rest. Farewell Greg. We who have loved you wish you a good journey.
Blessed Be.
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