Life...

I sit here reading about the death of Wayman Tisdale at 44 years of age from cancer. I remember when he was a star at Oklahoma and in the NBA, where he was just somebody else to cheer against since I am a diehard Laker fan. Overall, he seemed like a very nice person, and he actually went on to become a noted jazz musician after his basketball career ended. I even liked his music, so I am saddened and very surprised by his passing. I don't know what it is about turning 50 that suddenly loosens the floodgates of people passing away, because we've had more deaths and serious illnesses in our friends and families this year than pretty well all of my previous 49 years combined.

Now my best friend, Jon, lies dying in his bed from bone cancer that has spread throughout most of his body, even after losing a leg and half his pelvis. Last night, my son went to visit Jon after not seeing him for about two months, he was shocked. "Uncle" Jon has been a big part of his life and he knew it was most likely the last time he would see Jon alive.

Because we are such good friends, this week I got to share the "privilege" of telling him he had lost the battle with cancer and probably had no more than a month to live. I cannot begin to tell you how hard that was; I wouldn't wish that duty on anyone. I was touched by his bravery in the face of such pain and how much he cared for his wife and young children, but most of what I felt was heartbreak.

We have written many songs together over the 23 years that I've known Jon, but they are few compared to the hundreds of songs Jon has written. I have made him a promise to make sure his music lives on, so my sons and I are going to record a benefit album of covers of Jon's songs. We are hoping to complete it before Jon passes away, but now it is a race against time, which always seems to be a losing race these days.

More and more I am reminded that every day is a gift and we should try to make every day special for those we hold most dear. Apply Love Liberally!