Life Is Too Short

One of the greatest mistakes we all make is thinking we have the time to do those things we keep putting off. The problem is we all think we will be here forever, or those we care about will also be here for an indefinite period of time which coincides with our personal life schedule. The truth of the matter is life is short, and time is not on our side, or on theirs. How we utilize our time while here on earth should be some of the most important decisions we make while we are here. It will deeply affect those we love and those closest to us. 

Last Tuesday evening, the phone rang at about 10:30 PM. That is not really late for me, but I am not encouraging calls at that time in the evening. I would first glance at the call identification to see whether it was a number I recognized, and it was. Dave Jenkins and I had been friends dating back to the late 80s and were fraternity brothers. As he would do on a regular basis, he would remind those I would introduce him to that he was a “younger” member of our fraternity. 

Our normal conversational banter would begin with him updating me on his family. Instead, that evening he would preface his remarks in a serious and somber tone. “Stef, Ed Kinney died today.” A long silence would pass before either of us would utter another word. Both Jenkins and Kinney played important roles in my life, helping me to deal with my divorce and later in the 80s when my mother passed, and then in 2020 when my younger brother lost his life to pancreatic cancer during the midst of the Pandemic. 

Yes, I think I would love to forget the past, but because of the friendships shared with these two, I was able to survive them. One winter, Dave’s wife and their youngest daughter Amanda stayed in my condo because a flood had damaged their home in New Hampshire. That stay allowed Amanda to strengthen her body in the warm Florida sun and assist in her physical recovery. I have covered this story in previous columns, detailing her courageous battle,which today is a testament to her and her entire family’s strength and perseverance.  

Ed and Sue have also been to Florida to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary, as they visited with me and toured through Florida and the Keys. They have three boys and a beautiful grown daughter with three grandchildren, all of which I am sure are devastated by the loss of one of the most kindhearted individuals I have ever met. 

He was also one of the bravest individuals I have ever known; that was demonstrated in his recovery from a terrible vehicle accident, which nearly caused him to lose his foot. He persevered,however, and recovered from that tragic accident and returned to his love of running, which was a big part of his high school years.  

The three of us have shared a lot of wonderful adventures together, several of which occurred in a rented RV going to fraternity conventions, Super Bowl Parties, birthdays,and other great get-togethers which brought us all a number of great memories and laughs. 

Just this last June, I had to make a quick visit up to New Hampshire, but the evening before I left to return to Florida, I had the privilege of having dinner with Ed and Dave, as well as their wives and Amanda at a local Concord, New Hampshire eatery. Once again, we all laughed together and recalled the great times we had shared, while promising I would be back this Fall.  

 We should never become too busy for those we love and care for. Those who have become such a big part of our lives that have made such a difference in ours and helped to create the adults we are today. 

I will miss you, Ed. I will miss your dry sense of humor and your stories about your snowmobile adventures and your hilarious stories about babysitting twins. Thanks for stopping by my journey in life and being an important part of it. MTSND my Brother!