I started writing this post in my head earlier in the week and it was going to be a happy effusive post about how wonderful my staycation has been; how I got to spend six hours a day doing whatever I wanted while my kids were at school and my hubby was at work; and how I need to be greedy about giving myself time to be myself. That’s what this post was going to be about, but then something happened and I do not feel happy or effusive anymore.
A friend of mine died. A friend from high school. I haven’t seen him in forever. I found out via Facebook. Sigh. I saw a picture of him posted by a mutual friend and thought, oh he’s looking good and then I saw the dates (1972-2014). You never ever put an end date for someone who is alive. My brain and eyes started racing. What happened? How? I scanned the comment thread where other people asked the same questions I wanted answered and came upon this:
He was recovering from ill health and took a trip to Mazatlan with his brother. He fell ill again but while in the hospital his brother was extorted by staff to pay money or have his life saving treatment halted. He died on his way from the private hospital to the State funded one. All the while his poor brother dodging all kinds of scams, dangerous kidnapping scenarios, and minimal U.S. consulate influence just to get his brother’s body back to the U.S. He’s on his way back now. I’ll keep you posted on services.
You guys, I start crying every time I think of it. My poor friend. I don’t know the details, but it pains me to think that the end of his life would involve any kind of suffering. It doesn’t matter that I haven’t seen him in decades, my heart still mourns for him. I truly have a hard time remembering his face without a smile on it. He had some kind of wonderful smile that he gave out very freely.
So that’s where I’m at right now. Still on my staycation, but not quite as happy and effusive as I was at the beginning of it.
And now your Friday Fortune Cookie
(don’t forget to add “in bed” at the end, if you are so inclined):
You will never regret a smile.
Hosted by Mrs. 4444
Very sad and tragic. Is it really so corrupt that hospital staff extort money from the family? I have heard about the drug wars and kidnapping but never thought the corruption would show up at a hospital. Very sad and I hope you’ll find more cheery things around you soon.
I’m so sorry to hear this! What an awful situation for them to be in. My heart goes out to you.
I am so sorry, Mami!My thoughts and prayers go out to your friend’s family.
Gracias, amiga.
That is just horrific. I am so sorry.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend and it’s sad the way it ended and his poor brother having to endure that all while trying to save him….it’s a heart wrenching. ((hugs))
My heart aches with you. I am so sorry about your loss and the sadness you are going through…….((HUGS))
That is heartbreaking and infuriating at the same time. I will keep you and all of his friends and family in my prayers. How devastated his poor brother must feel.
The recent loss of a close friend, my best friend and my father have left me re-evaluating my wants and dreams big time.
It is so important to find some happiness in each and every day and to make sure our loved ones know exactly how we feel about them. You never know when the chance to tell them will be ripped out from under you.
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend! So sad and tragic about the circumstances surrounding his death! Praying for all involved!
Heartbreaking and tragic. So sorry…