Yesterday I went to Joe's removal and it was so poignant and sad yet the mood was lightened by an oration by a good friend of his who spoke to elequently and humourously of Joe and his busy life and all the people he touched on his journey. He lived his life to the max, coaching hundreds of teens in his passion, basketball. He had responsibility for training the national underage basketball squad - even his daughter was on the national team. Joe was one of the nicest, most considerate and decent guys I've ever met - a real people person who was passionate about everything he did. Even in death he is a decent guy - 3 people have received his organs and will live a better life as a result of his generousity.
Today I spent the afternoon in the attic with the kids, organising their toys and spring cleaning. I came across a box of photos and found some of Joe and the work crew on a conference to Marbella in 2001 (the day after 9/11). It was strange to see a photo of him - I didn't even know I had it. In the same box I found a piece of paper with this poem by Nadine Stair (who was terminally ill when she wrote it) and it stopped me in my tracks...
If I had to live my life over again ....
I'd dare to make more mistakes next time. I'd relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been on this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more icecream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day.
Oh, I've had my moments and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat and a parachute. If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.
If I had to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the Spring and stay that way later in the Fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies...
Joe Kavanagh RIP..Gone but not forgotten :-(
5 comments:
What a beautiful piece of writing Lainey. So sorry to read about youur friend Joe.
Sorry to hear about your friend Lainey. Reading that poem really makes you think, thanks for posting it up. Loved the photos and the story of your holidays, looks like you all had a wonderful time. We could all do with some of that gorgeous weather!!
lainey, so sorry that your friend passed away. you have described him as such a lovely person. it is nice when our lives are blessed with friends like that.
Elaine sorry to hear about your friend, That poem really makes you think .
Beautiful tribute to your friend, Lainey!
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