Don’t Let The Sun Set Today That You Don’t…
UPDATE: I originally posted this back on May 28th. I had just gotten word that my friend and Delta Tau Delta Pledge Brother, was on borrowed time-terminal cancer. He lost…
UPDATE: I originally posted this back on May 28th. I had just gotten word that my friend and Delta Tau Delta Pledge Brother, was on borrowed time-terminal cancer. He lost his battle yesterday. In his honor, and to again give the same message, I re-post today. Godspeed my Brother
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Beardon, Bernardon, Browning, Cote, Forrester, Gunnin, Holley, McClellan, Murdoch, Nance, Powers, Schroeder, Tew, Wade, Wheeler, Zarzuela.
Those sixteen names belong to the men in this picture-all members of the Delta Pledge Class of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Baylor University, Spring 1989.
For me, that is how we always will be: young and indestructible, with a lifetime of promise still ahead of us.
Then came this sobering message I received last night:
"Brothers from my era at Baylor.... wanted to let you know that _______ is currently undergoing surgery and resuming chemotherapy in Los Angeles for stage 4 cancer that appears to have spread to some of his organs.
I've spoken to him by phone a few times in the last two weeks and he’s very tired but also clear he’s strong of spirit, prayerful, and says he’s giving his battle to God.
He told me it was ok to tell the brotherhood what’s unfolding for him.
It doesn’t seem that he’s able to check emails and he’s never been on FB or social media but I’m happy to put you in touch with his family if you’d like to share a message with him.
Thought some of you would want to know."
Out of respect for his privacy, I've kept his name anonymous here. It's been almost thirty years since we last were in the same room together or spoke. However, anyone who has pledged a frat will tell you, there's something about those guys you go through that with...you truly are brothers. So, this message was like a hammer to the head.
See, to me...this picture is who we are, who we always will be, captured in time...perfect.
Time doesn't work that way though, does it? She is the most dangerous mistress any man could have. She seduces you and constantly whispers in your ear, "I'll be here forever."
Then one day you wake up, she's gone forever and thirty years have passed since you've reached out and told someone how much they mean to you. And you feel terrible for failing at being a good friend...or brother.
I reached out today. I'm going to forward this to him as well. I hope he forgives my shortcomings in this area and sincerely believes how much I care-and always will, for him.
Sharing this with you today has only one purpose: don't be like me. If you don't do another thing today, I want you to sit down and think-REALLY THINK-of all the people who have been a part of, or touched your life in some way, and you've not communicated with in a while.
THEN, DO IT!
Make a call, send an email or text, let that person know that you would be less an individual without the contribution they've made to you.
If there something we all should know after the last couple of months, not one of us is promised tomorrow, so don't wait for it to come before expressing love to those who deserve to know and hear it.
