A horrible afternoon!!!

[nickagneta]

Today I learned that a dear old friend of mine came to a tragic end last weekend and his funeral ceremony was just ending as I was getting the shocking news. My wife and I rushed through midday traffic on our way to the South Shore so that we could be with one of our oldest friends and comfort her on the loss of the love of her life.

Life can be funny sometimes. One minute you're complaining because the internet is running too slow and the next you are holding a grieving loved one trying to make sense of why her 45 year old husband is no longer with us.

Jimmy was a great man. He brought a smile to every person who ever came into contact with him. He loved kids and volunteered his time constantly. He was a correction's officer in the Norfolk County Sheriff's Department, a member of the Honor Guard, a member of their elite Sheriff's Response Team and a member of the mountain bike unit.

He gave of himself tirelessly being a leader in fund raising for NCSO's Jail and Bail MDA event. He was a constant fixture with Meals on Wheels, and recently competed in a triathlon to raise money for the American Cancer Society and he and his wife were always rescuing needy animals and building bird cages for Habitat for Humanity. Jimmy was always thinking of others and helping out any way he could. It was just what he was.

Saturday afternoon, while out jogging training for another triathlon to raise money for yet another charitable endeavor, Jimmy was killed when a US Mail truck lost control and crashed, landing on it's side and killing my dear friend. There is an investigation under way but as of yet the US Postal Service and the Norfolk County DA's office have been strangely silent.

The world lost an excellent example of what every person should strive to be last Saturday. The State of Massachusetts lost one of it's best public servants. And my friend, her family, her neighborhood, my wife and I lost a light that made our lives so much brighter and better for having had it shined upon us.

Good bye Jimmy. We love you.

[Redz]

Sorry for the loss Nick.

A very nice tribute.

[Mike-Dub]

Sorry for the loss Nick.

A very nice tribute.

Ditto... TP for the tribute and to show my condolence even though it may not be much.

[Lucky17]

That's an incredible story, nick. Good that you and your wife could be there to comfort your friend today.

Nothing more tenuous than our time on this planet. It's easy to take for granted that our friends and loved ones will be there tomorrow, but it's simply not the case. Never pass up an opportunity to tell someone what they mean to you.

[EJPLAYA]

I am sorry for your loss. Sounds like the type of person this world needs many more of. It is obvious from this tribute that he had a great friend in you.

[BoyBee]

My condolences, Nick. please allow me to offer this well-known tribute on behalf of your friend...

Game Called


Game called.  Across the field of play
The dusk has come, the hour is late.
The fight is done, and lost or won,
The player files out through the gate.

The tumult dies, the cheer is hushed,
The stands are bare, the park is still.
But through the night there shines the light:
Home, beyond the silent hill.

Game called.  Where in the golden light
The bugle rolled the reveille.
The shadows creep where night falls deep,
And taps has called the end of play.

The game is done, the score is in,
The final cheer and jeer have passed.
But in the night, beyond the fight,
The player finds his rest at last.

Game called.  Upon the field of life
The darkness gathers far and wide,
The dream is done, the score is spun,
That stands forever in the guide.

Nor victory, nor yet defeat
Is chalked against the player’s name,
But down the roll, the final scroll
Shows only:

How he played the game.

[Edgar]

Descanse en paz.

Vaya con Dios amigo.

[jdub1660]

Really Sorry for the loss, boss. TP in his remembrance.

[thirstyboots18]

Our deepest sympathy, Nick.  Because of your heartfelt eulogy for a wonderful man, we grieve with you, and his family, and his friends. 

[wdleehi]

I am sorry to hear about that.

[Roy Hobbs]

That's tragic, nick.  My condolences. 

[cdif911]

so sorry Nick

[Casperian]

My condolences, nick.
It sounds like he was a great man.

As they say: "Only the best die young"