Stunned

It was Thursday (12/14/06) morning at 8:30 and I was just about to start facilitating an off site meeting when my Dad called and told me the news, he said “Bruce Rendina died yesterday,” I was stunned. I was hit with a wave of emotions. Sadness. Anger. Guilt.

Bruce, 52 years old, (center in the picture) died on December 13. I met Bruce and Brian Hadar (right in the picture) at Florida State University in 1972. We lived in Kellum Hall on the 3rd floor. Bruce, Brian and I joined the same fraternity, we all majored accounting, we rented an apartment together, we played intramural sports together and we did a lot of partying together…a lot of partying. We spent so much time together we were nicknamed ‘The Three Musketeers’ – that’s the reason for the silly outfits in the picture. We were like brothers.

After graduation Bruce and I moved back to Fort Lauderdale and both joined Coopers & Lybrand as accountants. Over the years we slowly lost touch with each other. We would talk here and there; but we were so busy building our careers and families that we let our friendship fade away.

I saw Bruce last January. We had lunch together. It was the first time I had seen him in about 10 years. He told me he had an operation the previous September for a brain tumor and the doctors’ thought that he would be ok. They were wrong. One year later Bruce died.

When someone close to me dies, it always brings my life to a screeching halt. Death can be a wake up call. It forces me to reflect - deeply. It quickly puts my life in perspective. It can be amazing teacher.

Life is so precious and most of us take if for granted. We expect to live for a long time. We worry about trivial stuff and let it ruin our day or mess up our relationships. How dumb is that.

My life changed when I met Bruce, and now my life has changed again because of Bruce. His death has reminded me about how important is to live each day, being as present as possible, and to appreciate everyone and everything I have in my life.

Bruce - thanks for your friendship and all the gifts you’ve given me. YITB.

Until next time. Passion Rules.