Life And Loss

As I have gotten older, life has become more about loss and how to deal with it than anything else. I have lost six friends in nine months and I believe they become more painful with each passing one. Contrary to the times, none have been COVID-19 related. Three died from cancer, one from a genetic heart condition, and two from being lifelone alcoholics. The two dying from alcoholism probably hurt more than anything as I tried to help both of them get the professional help they needed. The odds are astronoimical that I lose that many friends in a years time as I am only in my mid-50's. I have fond memories of all of my friends that I have lost and it is those memories that keep them alive for me. I have thought about them often this year and I tell stories about them frequently and I believe it would make them happy to know that they can still make me laugh. I have often heard that laughter is the best medicine and I have definitely put that to the test over the past nine months.