"Now if a man tried to take his time on earth, and prove before he died what one man's life could be worth, well I wonder what would happen to this world" - Harry Chapin

I just came from the funeral for a 30 year old client who died suddenly this past weekend.

No, clent does not cut it nor capture it, a 30 year old friend from whom I learned so much.

Although he was a client, from the age of 13 on, he was more a friend than a client.

My friend had chronic renal failure his entire life. Most of us have two kidneys. My friend was on his fifth.

Most of us have 1 or 2 operations in life. My friend had 30.

My friend was so very much more than his condition. My friend transcended his condition with his spirit and his sense of humor. And in doing so, taught others through his example to face the challenges of life head on.

You see, my friend was not supposed to live past 10, yet he lived until 30.

We had him for longer than we expected, but not nearly long enough.

Comedienne and actress Lily Tomlin is quoted as saying:

"Humans invented language because of our deep seated need to complain."

I've got my dream job and get to spend my days doing something I love and providing for a family by doing it. I have very little to complain about.

Being human, though, means I can always find something to piss and moan about. And then I would see my friend on Tuesdays at 2pm, and feel ashamed that I ever wasted one breath complaining.

Thanks for the lesssons, pal, and when you are not busy making him laugh, say hello to God for me.

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