As we get older and think about how our life will be in a few years the one thing that makes us face up to the fact that we are not immortal is the loss of a friend or family member.  We may think we are, we may plan our lives like we are, we may take risks like we are or put things off 'til another day like we are but in fact, we aren't.

When I got news this morning of the death of a good friend, Joan Shafer from Mt. Pleasant, it was a reality check on getting in touch with friends to make sure they know they are important.  This, of course, also applies to family.  Fortunately I can say that I had stayed in touch with Shafer's.  They were too ill to respond but I know they knew I cared and that is what was important.  Jake is in the hospital too, bless his heart this will be so hard for him.  They were so close, such good people.

Jake and Joan were my landlords when I moved to Mt. Pleasant.  They had just built a fabulous 8 plex on the edge of town and I was the first tenant.  Buttons and I moved in and truly enjoyed the space.  We had many dinners there with people from the community, getting to know them.  Jake and Joan were almost always there, part of the "core" group along with Martha, Gayle, Phil, Sam (now also gone), Greg and various others from month to month.  It was a great time, we all enjoyed the good food, friendships and humor that abounded at these gatherings.  I miss them, but more, I miss the people.

So, the point of this is, make sure those that matter to you know they matter.  Drop them a line, give them a call, email them or something, just let them know they are important to you.  Hey, can't hurt and maybe, just maybe you will make someones day a tad bit brighter.