Today I Am Sad
by Stiffy Biceptz

Yesterday I learned of the untimely death of my close friend Glenn. I had just spoken with him about a week or so ago, and we had been laughing about the controversy building around Chris Rock’s upcoming appearance as host of the Academy Awards. At least our last conversation was fun, like most of them were.
 
I found out he had been sick at work late last week and that he had gone home early, which was highly unusual for Glenn. That was Thursday. That was the last anyone heard from him. Repeated attempts to reach him Friday, Saturday, Sunday and early Monday met with no reply. When his mom called his boss at work worried because he hadn’t called her that Saturday as he faithfully had for many years, there began to be some concern as to Glenn’s whereabouts. The police were sent to his house. They saw his car in the driveway, and several days’ papers lying untouched on his doorstep. Upon entering his home, they found him. He had died in his bathroom.
 
The ultimate cause of his death has yet to be determined. It was some natural trauma most likely. Perhaps it matters, but not to me, and all those who loved him.
 
I am sad today because a kind, gentle man left this earth too soon, and sadly, all alone. He was my friend, my pal, my buddy. My wife cared for him deeply, and considered him part of our family, which is not something easy for her to do. My boys loved him, Uncle Glenn, “Art Seatbelt”, a man who should have been a father. Our home was his home.
 
He was the guy I had over for the Super Bowl every year. He was on my couch for every NCAA final. He was always there for my birthday and he was the guy there for every poker game.
 
Glenn was always pleasant, always ready to laugh, always ready to have fun, but never at anyone’s expense. He made me smile, made me feel good about myself. His was a friendship that was natural and genuine, based on nothing more than an inner connection.
 
I have been fortunate to have had a good number of those relationships throughout my life, wherever I went. They are that much harder to lose.
 
Glenn was a truly alternative man, who lived a life unburdened by stereotypes or ill will towards anyone else.
 
He will be missed very much. Bye Glenn.
 

©2005 Stiffy Biceptz