Moving ON 2...

This week I experienced another example of having to move on. A very difficult part of life is facing the fact that we are not going to live forever and sometimes the end is sudden and tragic.

A number of years ago I was introduced to a very special friend, Harvey.  He is the brother in law of a great friend. I first met Harvey in Olympia, Washington. At the time I was on my first year as a Board Member for Morningside (www.morningsideservices.com) a non-profit organization that provides assistance to physically and mentally handicap adults. Harvey was a client off and on and had a very interesting reputation with the organization; a good reputation, one of respect and concern for his privacy.  Harvey usually was not too far behind in moving with his family to wherever they were going. His sister, his niece and his brother in law have been his care takers, making sure that he always had a roof over his head and food in his stomach. Speaking of food Harvey always let you know that food, music and church were his most important components of life. He never turned down an invitation to his favorite local buffet. 

When Harvey moved to Stockton CA, to join his family, I visited his apartment. I was introduced to his second passion, music. Harvey had a record collection of thousands of 33's, 45's, and 78's. He knew everyone of the songs, the albums and the singers or bands on everyone of the records, and in some cases he could sing and or play the song for you. He loved karaoke; he was often heard practicing in his apartment. He visited the local record establishments in Stockton looking for music he did not have, he was never that successful, as his collection typically out did most anyone’s. Gospel Music became Harvey's number one passion.

The last move for Harvey was back to Olympia, WA. It is interesting how life has its connections. After a number of months, his family had a new opportunity outside the area, but felt Harvey was well connected in Olympia with his friends, church and some work relationships and so this time Harvey was not to move. They began to look for a spot to ensure Harvey a comfortable place to live that also included some care. My wife and I knew of a family that had built a place where their son was staying. My wife, when on a mission, is diligent, and she approached the family and sure enough they had a spot for Harvey. It was a great spot with built in friends, a care taker that provided the "mom" needs and the independence that Harvey always wanted. His family would visit Olympia at least once a month to make sure he was doing ok and to discuss any needs. He was well taken care of.

Harvey was always looking for interesting job opportunities. He worked a few hours a week at the Olympia Co-op and at the Food Bank, where he was "in-charge" of bagging and roller carts, and talking to customers. He had, in just the past few weeks, secured a job at Home Depot; oh he was so excited about going to work at Home Depot. 

I have to tell you that I was on the phone with Harvey's brother in law last Thursday and we happen to get into a conversation concerning Harvey. The very next day I received a very frantic call, Harvey had been hit by a car in Olympia and was in surgery. The outlook was not good.

On Monday of this week I had a chance to visit Harvey in his hospital room. He was unconscious, and had been so since the accident. Harvey died the next day at high noon, three days short of his 52 birthday.

He was and will continue to be one of the most unique individuals that I have ever encountered. It has been my privilege to know him and to call him my friend.

His family now has the responsibility to MOVE ON. Harvey would insist. Life is so demanding, I read this very interesting statement from the Dalai Lama.....

“Every one of us is getting older, which is a natural process. Time is constantly moving on, second by second. Nothing can stop it, but what we can do is use our time properly; that is in our hands. Whether we believe in a spiritual tradition or not, we need to use our time meaningfully. If over days, weeks, months and years, we have used our time in a meaningful way – when our last day comes, we'll be happy, we'll have no regrets.”

I’m sure Harvey has no regrets!