I lost a dear friend on Monday. I had known him for 24 years. I worked with him, but he was more than a co-worker. He was a friend. He was a brother. We could have been twins. Both of us were born in 1958, both married in 1982, both had three children. We were the same height. We were very similar in many ways. I helped him and he helped me. He made me a better person. I will forever be grateful for his guidance, wisdom and friendship.

So what do I do now?

I count my blessings.

I am grateful I had a friend that I knew always had my back. He lifted my spirit when I needed it. He pushed me to always do the best I could. He helped me understand that I could always do a little more and do a little better. He celebrated with me when I succeeded and gave me hand up when I didn’t succeed at first.

I am also grateful that I woke up this morning. There is no justice or fairness to why I am here and he is not here. It doesn’t make any sense. I can only respond with “There, but for the grace of God I go.” Let me not waste today. Let me practice what I believe. Let me help someone. Let me lift a burden. Let me make a positive difference in someone’s life.