Though I didn’t know Sultan but a short time, just over a year, I feel blessed to have known him. He was kind, compassionate and he genuinely cared about people. Some people are in your life forever and hardly make an impact; others come in briefly and touch you, forever blessing you. Greg was one of those people that forever blessed those that knew him. He had so much to deal with in his own life, but he still always had a kind word for his friends and he never complained about the hand that God had dealt him. He is a shining example for the contentment we should all feel. Greg had far more to complain about then many of us who complain about mundane and simple things…silly things, really, when you think about it…but he never did. He listened, he gave sage advice and he cared about people. Greg truly lived as I aspire to live, but so often fall short of, be happy with what God gave you. So many times we look at what others have rather than counting the blessings we have.
I’ve followed the posts in tribute to Greg today….we all said the same thing we always say when someone has passed on “If only….” If only I knew he was sick I would have gone to see him. If only I had taken the time to talk to him some more. And for me it was…If only I hadn’t been so busy and I’d remembered to spend more time talking to my friend. I have spent the better part of the day crying, and still, I wonder if I cry for Greg or myself. Surely I, as many of you do, mourn Greg’s passing…but, Greg is truly in a better place. I have no doubt his rewards in heaven are far greater than we can imagine. I don’t think Greg would want any of us sitting around crying over his death; rather, he’d want us to smile and remember the smiles he gave to us. I remember all the advice he gave me about my teenage daughter. I remember the late night “Scrabble” games on yahoo and the discussions we’d have about politics and life, and sometimes we’d not say anything…and I laughed as I remember him helping me think up slogans for my signs for the HitLiary FReep last summer. He cared so deeply for his wife, his kids and the people around him. He never talked ill of anyone.
Perhaps in Greg’s passing, we should remember that life’s short. Today is always a better time to see our friends than tomorrow. Tomorrow may be too late to see someone or tell them we care. Greg lived a blessed life full of people that loved and respected him. He did this by doing something we should all do…never take today for granted because tomorrow is a gift and it may be too late to go see your friend or to tell them how very much they touched your life.
Rest in peace, mi amigo, until we meet again in Heaven.
