Posted on by Dana Kane

A season of loss

 

Everyone,

I’m posting this without thinking, without editing, and without wiping my eyes. Life has dealt us another blow, in the form of another too-early ending, and I am again left with the opportunity to share with the world the story of a great and wonderful friend.

This morning I opened my email to find, at the very top, an email address I’ve come to associate with all things sweet and soft – from my friend Remo. We’ve known one another for about four years, and played together many times, sharing lots of laughs and play stories along the way. We’ve also spent a fair amount of time talking about life, love, and loss, and have in the intervening years learned a lot about one another.

Remo’s told me about his family, his upbringing, his stellar career, and, most recently and wonderfully, his newfound love. Never once have I seen, spoken to, or emailed with him that he wasn’t optimistic and smiling, ready to enjoy life (and his peccadillos) to the fullest. A big man with an even bigger heart, Remo’s hugs have been some of my favorites.

Unfortunately the email wasn’t from Remo. It was from a loved one who’d been kind enough to send a short email letting me know that he’d passed away a few days ago. I guess it was easy to find my email address, as we’d been in the middle of an email conversation and I’d written him just a couple days ago. As his replies were always timely, I now know why this one wasn’t.

I know that I am not alone when I tell you that this man will be missed, and I know that the others among us who were lucky enough to know him are grieving today, too. (If you knew Remo and are reading this, you have my deepest condolences and love.)

This shouldn’t need repeating, but just in case : Life is beautiful. Live it.

 

–  Dana

 

Soft kitty, warm kitty,

little ball of fur.

Happy kitty, sleepy kitty,

purr purr purr.

 

 

26 Replies to “A season of loss”

  1. This news is extra sad Mama Bear. My heart goes out to you. Being the extremely sympathetic and empathetic person that you are, this loss as well as others can really take a toll on your beautiful heart. I’m so very sorry for your loss.

    1. Thankyou Kay. You’re a sweetheart, and I’ll make sure to squeeze an extra hug out of you next time.

  2. Dana,

    I’m so sorry to hear that you lost another friend. I’m deeply saddened by this news and the pain that it brings you and his family.

    1. Yes, enough is enough, Kelly. Let’s all live forever, shall we? oxxo

  6. Dana
    So sorry for your loss. Your closing line is so true! Another approach
    “Live everyday as though it is your last, one day you will be right”

  7. Dearest Dana,

    Mar and I are so very sorry for your loss. Remo sounds like the loveliest man, who touched your life and heart incredibly. Our thoughts are with you (as always) and with all of Remo’s loved ones.

    Sending you big hugs.

    1. Danielle and Mar,
      Thank you both so much for your kind words. I’m sure you’d have loved Remo too – everyone did.

    1. BT, I agree. Can we put in a petition to the laws of nature? (Thanks, dear.)

  9. Oh Dana,

    So tremendously sorry to hear of the loss of your dear friend, Remo. My heart again breaks, knowing that tears of sadness stream from your loving eyes.

    I am sending you *ginormous* hugs, and wish I could take the pain and loss away that you are feeling.

    1. Thank you, Stacy. He was a great guy, and I’ll remember him fondly. oxxo

  12. Please accept my condolences, Ms. Kane. The losses are inconsolable, but in time we realize the love abides.

    Respectfully submitted,

    incorrigible60 aka Ethan P. Chance

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