Yesterday, Today, and the Hereafter

I have been tasting a different side of life lately… I have a very good friend who is currently going through treatment for lymphoma and so far it has not been successful. Thankfully, there are more aggressive treatment methods available that have not yet been attempted. I hope and pray one of these will work.

Almost three weeks ago, another person who I spent a great deal of time with in the past lost his battle with depression. It was really the first time I realized that losing someone who is a significant part of one’s life is not easy. All this is a clear reminder of how short and precious life is. It is also a reminder to be thankful for the wonderful people we have an opportunity to share all our experiences with – for better or for worst.

On the brighter side, this year has also been a time for reconnecting with friends who have been lost to me; brothers and sisters who I have not heard from or seen in years. Earlier this year I got to speak with my buddy Mike. He lives in Pennsylvania now. Mike and I became good friends when he moved to the Philippines to finish college. At that time I was studying for my Masters in Applied Business Economics. The last time I knew of his whereabouts he was living in Las Vegas. I think that was almost 5 years ago.

A couple of weeks ago, I got a call from Brian who I have not spoken to in 15 years - at least. Crazy! Brian lives in Canada now with his wife and two children. He sounds like a mellowed out old man. Sorry Brian, as you can see I have not grown up. Brian and I became good friends during my early high school years. He will be visiting me here in Nashville with his family in a couple of months. Hey bro, I am looking forward to it!

Over the weekend, I sent an email out to Nader who I have not seen in three years or so. He had a baby girl last Saturday - I was pretty surprised and very happy for him and Beth. I will be heading out to Costa Rica at the end of June to visit. Fatima and a few other people have reserved some rooms at a resort on the western coast of the country. She and some friends will be flying in from California and Florida. I am really looking forward to the trip. It will be awesome to see Nader, Fatima and Beth. It has been way too long since we all got to hang out.

Later in the summer, I am heading to Chicago for yet another reunion. Rica will be flying in from Singapore. Joe (we call him B-boy) has been living there for a couple of years. Brian and a few other friends will be driving/flying in from around the country. The event will also be attended by a few more friends from this group’s past that now live in the greater Chicago area. This will be a very interesting trip to say the least. It will be an experience to reconnect with yet another significant era of my life. It will be a time to relive the past, share the present and dream about the future!

Wedding in Dallas

Last Friday, Emily and I hopped on a plane to Dallas for Aaron and Barbara's wedding. Aaron is a good friend but neither of us had met Barbara before. Having met her, it was very easy to see why Aaron was so taken with her. I really don't know who wouldn't be, she is an exquisite person and I believe they will have a blessed live together.

In Dallas, we also had the opportunity to do some catching up with Dan. He flew in from Japan to be the best man for this event. We all had lots of fun. Emily and I had a little time to explore downtown Atlanta and hang out by the pool at the hotel. The rest of the time was spent helping out with the wedding preparations and having a total blast at the main event. They didn't waste any time, the ceremony took 5 minutes and the remainder of the evening was one big party. Great, planning guys!!

Aaron & Barbara, I wish you the very, very best! May you grow happy and old together and have lots of cute babies!

Aaron & Barbara's Wedding