A good friend passed away last night, I just learned.

His health was fragile--he lived with life threatening asthma and a heart that needed a pacemaker. His career had been spent as a caseworker and advocate for abused and neglected children, enough to tax anyone's heart and spirit.

But recently he was so full of joy and energy, thoughts of his ill-health seemed far away. Retirement was working for him and he was involved in several community projects.

Then, around midnight, his heart stopped beating and the pacemaker couldn't revive him.

Gary, I will miss you greatly. A lifetime isn't long enough to encompass a friendship like ours.