A bit of perspective

I am putting things into perspective today.

I just found out that a childhood friend of mine passed away after a long battle with cancer. Bill Tempel was 50 years old. We played on the same baseball team from ages 8-14. He played 3rd base and I played 2nd base. We were on the team that was sponsored by the St. Bernard Eagles and won the most prestigious Class “C” baseball tournament in Cincinnati. We used to hang out and play basketball in his driveway and we would drink Mello-Yello when we got hot and thirsty. I have no idea why I remember what we drank, but I do.

I haven’t seen Bill in many years. We didn’t continue our friendship into our high school years or beyond. I have no idea why. People just drift apart sometimes and go their separate ways. That doesn’t mean his passing stings any less. It seems like just yesterday we were winning baseball championships together, and now he’s gone. I guess what is hitting me hardest is the fact that he was my age (50). I feel so young and like I have so much living left to do. Another thing that is hitting me today is the question of what is the difference between Bill and me. The answer is quite simple… It’s God’s mercy and grace. There but by the grace of God go I. I don’t know why God in his infinite mercy and grace has given me more than 50 years on this earth and chose to take Bill. It’s the same question I have about my own Dad. Why did God choose to take Dad at the age of 47, yet allow me to live to 50 and beyond? This is a question that will never get answered as long as I’m on earth. I don’t suppose to know what God knows. We are told in scripture, “Your ways are not My ways”.

I can’t say I will miss my friend. I hadn’t spoken to him since I was 14 years old. Therefore, it would be disingenuous to claim that I’m going to miss him. His death is causing me to look at myself, my family, and our short time on this earth. It is so cliché to say we need to make the most of every minute, but when childhood friends start to die, you really have no choice but to think in those terms.

Godspeed, Bill. I will drink a Mello-Yello in your honor!