In a few hours, I head off to a funeral for an old friend from a lifetime ago. He passed away from a tragic ski accident, far too soon. His name is T.J. This is a photo of him in his element with a special woman named Holly, who would later become his loving wife.
At times like these, you take stock of your own life while thinking deeply about the life your friend lived and the impact he had. T.J.’s was huge. He was a mountain of a man. He was the ultimate catalyst for recruiting college grads to live the life they really wanted to live, rescuing us from the boring life our college degree or pedigree demanded of us. I got my first and only job I ever had after college because of T.J. and boy was it a special one!
This is the roll he played in my life. He helped give me permission to dedicate my life to my true passions. Had we never met, my life would have gone a very different route.
Today, I’ll be surrounded by dozens of other men and women that feel exactly as I do about T.J. He played the same exact role for them. Our hearts will come together as one to celebrate his special life.
While we are all deeply saddened that you left this world too soon T.J., today we will celebrate your incredible life with hearts full of gratitude for how you lived and how you impacted each of our lives. Cheers, one last time brother!
P.S. - no need to send me condolences. I just wanted to share this special man with my world. Today is about him, not me. Thanks for reading.
