I got word last night that a family friend had passed away. He was only 55. He was a prime example of a 'Good Black Man.' He was more my sisters' friend than mine, but he was always around, so I knew him and his family.
I always respected him, and envied him somewhat, because, from the time he was a child, he knew what he wanted to do - be a pilot. It was his dream, and despite the odds, he went to school for it, graduated near the top of his class, and then proceeded to be gainfully employed, as a pilot, for nearly 30 years.
When I would see him, one of my favorite questions to ask him was, ' Where have you been?' His job had taken him all over the world, and he was more than happy to share tales of his travels.
Heart trouble ran in his family, and, even though he was vigilant about health and exercise, he was taken too soon. While some might read this and say, why even bother, if he did all that and died anyway- what would have happened if he hadn't taken care of himself?
So, my Brothers, and Sisters, please take care of yourselves. Cherish the time that you have with your families. And, follow those dreams, for I know, even though he died too soon, he lived his life doing what he had always loved to do.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
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My father died in his 40's...so this is something that I am always worried about. (especially stroke/high blood pressure).
I try to take it easy...but my Job and financial situation have me in a constant state of rage.
The men in my family have all passed on early. So I am expecting the same fate. That's why I want to get as much done as I can with the time that I have left.
My economic/job situation isn't cooperating.
Many of us just hate going to the doctor... I know that's true for me. It's partly due to not liking the idea of being poked and prodded, and partly due to financial insecurity. (#1. Not having enough to cover a procedure due to poor health insurance coverage, and #2. Lack of financial security in terms of employment... if they find something, I may not be able to work, and I need to scrape every dollar that I can from my job in order to survive.). I work for en employer that will fire you at the first sign of illness. They also don't allow sick leave. You can take off for being sick... you just won't get paid. And if you miss too many days due to being sick, they fire you.
Isn't that wonderful?
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