If you are lucky enough, you will have met, spoken to or have been touched by a human of extraordinary energy. 

An energy that commands a room

This human would have a massive wingspan; one that would wrap his family, friends, and contemporaries in to provide them a sense of peace and comfort, even in his last days.

I have been blessed to meet such a human. I’ve come to know and love him and he has been my friend for 49 years.  We met in California at a beach party, which he was hosting, of course! He was as gracious then, as he is today.

This mere mortal has been a leader in the hospitality industry for decades.  Employees cried when he retired, yes cried.  His wife has been his rock and has kept everything in their life running smoothly, allowing him to work the long and hard hours to provide them a beautiful life.

I’ve seen this captain of industry, a highly educated and well-read man, tear-up at commercials. He’s not afraid to show his softer side which makes him a true renaissance man who will share his box of tissues with me, as we sob over the sad part of a movie!

This man revels seeing joy in the faces of friends and family as he entertains them with his generosity. He’s genuinely interested in what is going on with you, the person, and there is never a goodbye without a warm and meaningful hug.

When he is called home, I believe God will assign him to be a great advocate for those willing to “lean” into kindness, here on earth. 

He will be the whisper in your ear to speak your truth.  He will urge you to give as much as you can to help others and to always make people feel welcomed and cared for. 

When you feel that twinge of gratitude, that will be him smiling over you and saying, “well done.”

While sitting in a restaurant he will gently nudge you to tell the waiter, “If there aren’t three bottles of that wine in stock, we’ll have to look for another.” (This man never lets his family or friends run out of wine – never!)

I’m sure this human has tripped and faltered along the way…

I mean this guy sounds as if he’s supernatural, but he IS only human.  He actually makes you pack a “carry-on” for a two-and-a-half-week trip to Europe. But he never misses a beat getting back into your good graces — thus, the three bottles of wine!

So goodbye my dear friend and sweet, sweet brother-in-law…

You are our pathfinder for this new journey.  And although we won’t meet up with you for a bit, I’ll be sure to bring my passport, can’t wait to see that stamp!  Don’t worry, I’ll pack a carry-on, so it won’t get lost in baggage claim.

Thank you for being an amazing human being and most of all, my friend.

Always grateful for you,

Love, Sheree