Goodbye, Jim.

I nursed Amalia to sleep for her nap this morning.  I've been trying not to do that, and instead we rock and she cries.  Today, she's sleeping on my lap, and that darling little snore on the milk-drunk face while her long legs are falling off my lap and my feet are falling asleep are completely mesmerizing.

The world lost a great man today.  A man who lived every second of his life.  A man who was successful in every possible way.  He owned a successful business, was great at and loved his job.  He was an incredible father to three wonderful boys.  A dedicated, loving and thoughtful husband.  He loved photography and frisbee golf.  He loved nature.  He loved babies.  He was a music aficionado and always found the best concerts.  He could make any experience more exciting in its retelling.

It was so sudden.  My heart is breaking, especially for his sons, almost-daughter-in-law and wife.  His father, sister, and brother-in-law.  His nephews and niece.  They are an incredible family, one I was blessed to experience as babysitter many times in my youth.  I still can't believe he's gone.

I'm not the best at keeping in touch.  I have good intentions, but all too often, days, weeks, months, even years will pass where I haven't talked to so many of the people I love.  I hadn't even seen Jim since June.  His death is my kick-in-the-pants to call my friends, to make plans, to hold my kids tighter and always tell the people I love that I love them.  Today may really be the last time we get the chance.