By D. R. DiFrancesco

Words seem inadequate at such a time,

More than just a colleague you were a friend,

I can’t imagine the anguish and fear that must have gripped you.

Sadly, all we could do was watch,

Offer faint attempts at support,

And secretly hope that you would recover.

This was not to be,

You aged right before our eyes,

Hair, once salt and pepper turned white and paleness  entered your skin,

A shell of the man you used to be.

Your strength however, was inspirational,

Disease did not deter you from your labors,

Your attitude always focused on the positive.

Our lives my friend, were enriched just to have known you,

You left far more to this world than you took,

And this world will be a little emptier without you.

May you find peace and comfort with your maker,

As those that knew you come to terms with your passing,

Farewell dear friend…you will be sorely missed.

** In memory of my colleague Peter who passed away last night from lung cancer.