So here I am in Ocala awaiting the funeral ceremony of a family friend. I met his sister and mom for the first time today. Very sad day. I met Todd a long time ago when we were just teenagers. I was dating my wife to be. He was dating my sister in law to be. My wife and I would eventually go on to marry. My sister in law would marry and divorce someone else and so would Todd, but eventually they would meet up again later in life with their families in tow.
Todd went on to join the Marine Corp and then became an EMT in Ocala where he raised 3 boys. Somewhere in that time he got an infection that went to his heart.
About three years ago my sister in law on her way to raising two beautiful kids is in a messy divorce that leaves her devastated. Somehow she rekindles her relationship with Todd which ends up being some great years for her only to be cut short way too soon.
At the age of 51 Todd was in need for both kidneys and a heart. He is too weak to be considered for any donor list. He dies suddenly of a heart attack. Everyone thought he had atleast one or two more good years before this.
This happens in between me discovering I have cancer. I can’t even believe the news and can only think he’s three years younger than me. It really puts my life in perspective and how grateful I am for the life I still live.
Its a beautiful Friday afternoon. They perform Taps. Some of the family are still in disbelief. Good bye Todd. How you would have enjoyed being here amongst friends and family. You will be missed.
We stay awhile and talk amongst each other. I meet his boys and their kids. Each one of them carrying their own resemblance of him. The one son has his toddler daughter in his arms. I tell him, you’re gonna have to tell her all about grandpa. He says he will and she gives me an innocent little smile and a wave hi.
