The frailty of life

Last Monday, I was informed that one of our co-workers passed during the night. He had been fighting pneumonia and other medical issues. He was in ICU, and the doctors decided to put him on a ventilator to regulate his breathing. His heart just couldn’t take it and finally gave out.

Rick was an amazing individual. One of his biggest victories was overcoming cancer. He was always positive. Always had a smile on his face. Always encouraging. He was willing to go the extra mile for anyone. He loved his family more than anything. He was always talking about his precious granddaughter. He would email us pictures and brag about how cute she was.

When something like this happens, we always say we will never take anything for granted ever again, but then we do. Life is too short to complain about politics, religion, or how loud your neighbors are. When someone close passes away, we are once again reunited with the frailty of life. Our existence. We are nothing more than a vapor that is here today and gone tomorrow.

Let’s walk in love towards everyone and make a difference in our sphere of influence.

Rick was a great guy and will be dearly missed. I wrote this in his memory.

Always Remember
For Rick Cook

You knew the world needed
Laughter in the hardest storms
You sent the perfect angel
With hugs that were always warm

A smile that lit the darkest night
A gentle presence when the road was hard
Willing to lend a helping hand
Always eager to do his part

He overcame so much down here
Hardened strength through all the pain
Nothing could keep him from rising up
He was a glorious rainbow after each and every rain

He loved his family most of all
They were the stars that shined so bright
He talked about them every day
They were the reason for his joy in life

So many people travel through our lives
Some, we just can’t forget
They live with burning passion
They give it all, leaving no room for regret

Some are with us forever
And others just for a little while
He faced life with constant cheer
Nothing could ever take away his smile

There will always be moments in our life
That are darkened by the pain of loss
We all have different roads to lead
Often times there’s a bridge to cross

He will be missed, but he will always live on
Now he’s resting in the arms above
God, keep him safe, and let him know
We will always remember his love