Offline

I feel like half the time I update, I start with a reason for my absence. Basically, I had not such a great week. I was pretty sick all week, had a fairly standard workweek, slept a whole lot and did not much out of the ordinary. 

Friday, however, stands out. One of the members of the Ballyshaners (the organization which plans and organizes the Irish events in Alexandria) died suddenly and entirely unexpectedly on Friday morning. We'd all just seen him on Wednesday evening for our first official meeting of the parade planning season, and for drinks and merriment after. He was the first to reserve a place at the Grand Marshal Ball, and was kind heartedly threatening to outbid any of the more suitable suitors who may bid on those of us in the date auction at our upcoming fundraiser. 36 hours later he was found dead in his living room chair by his wife who was wondering why he wasn't in bed. 

He was well-known throughout Alexandria (very highly social and involved man), and all Friday night it seemed that there were several impromptu wakes at various establishments along King Street. We've all been in a state of shock and sadness, but fondly remember him as a witty, kind, generous and nurturing person and the outpouring and sheer number of people affected by his passing is a reflection of his very well-led life. At least one person (a waitress at Murphy's) credits him with saving her life. He noticed she wasn't feeling well one night (to the point she was having blurry vision in one eye) and he insisted that she go to the hospital--paid her cab fare and $100 toward medical expenses. Turns out, her blood pressure was so high, the hospital staff said she should have been having a stroke. He was one of the loudest voices in the chorus of love and support for me post-burglary and for that I'll always be thankful.

Cheers, Jim. Until we meet again.