Go! Don't Wait! Visit That Friend or Relative

On Thursday, October 26th, 2023, 2 friends and I were taking the last ride in his airboat before putting it away for the winter.

Is was a beautiful fall day, about 80 degrees, peak color, calm winds. As we were making the turn to come home the boat caught its own wake and began taking on water at which point it rolled over.

The boat grazed the back of my head and my back, but somehow I managed to swim free, without a life jacket. A few seconds later my friend popped up. He too had not put on a lifejacket.

My other friend, who was the the only one wearing a lifejacket, wasn't so lucky. Her life jacket got hung on the armrest of her seat and she couldn't break free. We both dove under to find her until the cold almost got us both. We finally found her and got her to the surface and began CPR, but it was too late, she died in my arms. It's such a tragedy, the device that was designed to save her life caused her death.

Since Thursday the tributes to Karen have stream in. The most common point was "I've been meaning to come and visit but never found the time."

Friends, find the time to visit that friend or relative you been meaning to see all this time, because you never know when a beautiful day will turn into a nightmare. Death is only a heartbeat away, don't put it off, if you do, there may not be a tomorrow.

 

Very sorry to hear this Ralphie...but also glad to hear that you and your other friend are ok.
Been thinking that we need to go see my 90 YO aunt n uncle...found out that they will be at a family reunion tomorrow, so

I lost a cousin about 28 years ago due to her wearing her seatbelt...she was driving, and the only one wearing a belt...she lost control and went off the road, striking and breaking off a pole...everyone else in the car was tossed about, but lived, she was held upright in her seat, and when the broken pole came down on the roof of the car, she had severe head trauma.

 

Very sorry to read of this tragic accident. You are so right about visiting while you can. Tomorrow is never promised. Condolences to you Ralphie Boy and the family of Karen.

 

May Karen R.I.P. and deepest sympathies to her family & friends. You are bang on about taking the time Ralphie Boy, life is too short as it is.

 

Sorry Ralphie Boy prayers for you and all the family and friends.

 

Condolences…

10/17 I was hit with a pulmonary embolism with no warning.

So I get your point.

 

Sorry to hear about the tragic news Ralph. May the lord give you and your friends strength and comfort during these difficult times. I still miss my best friend who passed after a sudden heart attack this spring. No so, funny thing is that he was going to have a valve replaced and after all their test said he was in great shape and should not have any issues with the surgery. Was walking to a tractor to move some stuff when it happened.

 

I am so sorry Ralphie I can’t imagine going through that. God’s strength & comfort to you your friend & to all of Karen’s family & friends. I am so guilty of getting caught in life & prioritizing nonsense over relationships. This is a sad but sobering reminder of the brevity of life & how important friendships are over other seemingly important things that have absolutely no eternal value. God bless you man.

 

Sorry Ralphie Boy . We just lost a brother-in-law at age 63 to cancer shortly after a family trip together. We just never know.

 

Wow , kind of at a loss for words.......

Stay strong.
Your advice will not be taken lightly.

 

So sad. I had promised a to call a friend who has had health problems. We planned to visit his older sister- mentally challenged and placed in a facility after living with parents or her sister. Need to do that.

such a tragedy for you and the lady’s family.

 

Very sorry for your loss Ralphie Boy ... and, your thoughts on never taking future friend/family visits for granted, sure hits home.

 

Sorry for your lost Ralphie Boy. Your post hits home on so many levels. Death has no time table and has no respect of person young or old. I have put off going and seeing friends and family thinking in the back of my mind maybe next week I will try to make time. That has proven to be big mistake own my part. I will be praying for you that the lord bring you comfort and healing . Sounds like you are the prime example of what a good friend should be .

 

So sorry for your loss Raphie. Remember to take care of yourself. This is a lot to go through. No shame in reaching out to someone if needed.

 

So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Ralphie Boy . The pain of having a friend die in your arms is hard to explain. Unfortunately I know that pain all too well. If you need to talk please don't hesitate to shoot me a message. Praying for you and your friends family.