I met David when we began working together. He was insightful and articulate, and understood how things worked in the organization where I was starting. We worked on projects together, and made quite a pair.
David was unable to get anything done unless he was surrounded by complete chaos. The papers on his desk had a tendency to swirl. He took great comfort from the stacks on information, and knew precisely where everything was. I, on the other hand, needed to clear the decks and put everything in its place so I could focus. Working together was an adventure.
We came to trust each other. We talked about everything; work, our families, politics, God, and anything else. We helped each other through job changes, moves, law school, marriages, and other challenges large and small. We shared a sense of humor. David was the brother I never had. I was the best man at his wedding, the godfather of his first son, and helped plan his surprise birthday party.
It was after I moved to California that David learned he had brain cancer. I flew back to spend a weekend with him in the hospital. He was in a lot of pain, but he still laughed when he saw me. It was the last time I saw him.
I think about David at least once a week. I spend time with him, remembering his strength and courage, his character and the great questions he asked. I never saw David run away because he was afraid of something. He worked hard to understand and overcome the things that scared him, even cancer.
David still inspires me, and I take strength from his example. I hope I am becoming more like him.
Who inspires you to face your fears? Who are your examples?
Who is your closest friend?
[Image by James Jordan]
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