Hi and Goodbye

Okay, I don't have all the text messages, but the exchange pretty much went like this.  If you wonder why I'm publishing private text messages here, it's because I don't want to forget the circumstances of how I said goodbye to my friend.  As it turns out, it was a "hello" that actually meant "goodbye."

From: CH     2012/01/29 23:30:03

Raul said to say Hi. Thanks again for the fun Saturday night. Have a great week!

From: SS     2012/01/30 09:30:00?

Good morning! Yeah, we were part of a pretty tight group in those days. Have a great day :)

From: CH     2012/01/30 11:39:33

Hi Sandy, just confirmed some bad news, Raul Rodrigo passed away in his sleep last night. I'll send you details of the services when I get them.

From: SS     2012/01/30  11:40:00?

Bad joke?

From: CH     2012/01/30 11:42:01

I wish, confirmed by his teacher and other members of their group this morning.

From: SS     2012/01/30  11:44:00?

Sorry about that. It just seems so incredible. Will get in touch with our friends. Do keep me posted on the details.

From: CH     2012/01/30 11:52:34

Yes, sad and really unexpected. We were practising all day Sat, then yesterday afternoon and evening. He was fine and really enjoying the classes. I'll send you whatever updates I get.

I'm still blown away by the fact that I had this simple opportunity to say hello to an old friend, at just the right time.  It tells me that God is in complete control of my life, and I no longer question what's going on, then or now.  I am exactly where He wants me to be.


And I don't mind mentioning here either that this has been a defining moment for me.  In fact I'm quite amazed at how many changes are happening in the quality of my life.  All for the better I may add.  Rest in peace, my friend.  I will grieve for the dead but still take care of the living.