Sunday, June 17, 2012

In Honor of Fidel

There are many friends we meet throughout our lives...some come in and out, and some are lifelong friends. We lost one of the latter yesterday - and one of the best - in Fidel.

For three years we saw Fidel's struggle and determination to fight his way back, but he dealt with problems and complications that always seemed to set him back. But, a fighter he was.

A vibrant, interesting, intelligent, and genuinely sweet man, Fidel was also hilariously funny, loud, and outspoken - and he generally had most of the people around him laughing. With his Nigerian-English accent, his voice was as classy and unique as he was. I am so sad that such a larger-than-life, dynamic, spirited person with such a big heart was taken from us way too soon.

We will miss you, Fidel. That wonderful, hearty laugh. The teasing and the sarcasm - which was always quite entertaining - and the upbeat attitude. Your sense of humor was only surpassed by your courage. And the many, many people who spent so much time in the hospital with you was a real testament to not only the kind of person you were, but how much you were loved. 

The world will be a little less sunny without your light in it, and all your friends will always miss you. Rest in peace, dear friend.
 "May the Lord bless you and keep you..." (Num. 6:24)