I received a phone call Friday morning from a gentleman living in Chicago seeking an estimate for a boundary survey of a parcel located here in Buchanan County VA. He had inherited the property from his grandfather and was intending to sell it as he had no intention of ever living here locally. His surname is one that is fairly common in this area and it turned out that we had a few common acquaintences. I was in the field when I received his call and told him I would try to call him back later Friday afternoon but that it would most likely be early Monday after I had a chance to research the property a bit. He was a nice enough fellow and seemed to understand the proper process of conducting a land survey and the problems inherent in doing most land surveys in this area. I actually enjoyed speaking with him and we each extended a wish that the other have an enjoyable weekend as we said goodbye.
I obtained a copy of the boundary description late Friday afternoon and over the weekend checked my records for work I've done in the same area. I had a bad Sunday and Monday had continued the downward trend in my mood as I encountered irritation after irritation after irritation. Finally, around 10 AM I called the gentleman to give him an estimate and let him know what I had discovered concerning his boundary. There was no answer but this wasn't unexpected as he had told me that he was often away from his phone. I left a message and sincerely stated that I hoped to hear from him soon. About ten minutes later the gentleman's son called me to let me know that his father had unexpectedly passed away on Friday afternoon.
I didn't really know this fellow but the news of his death nearly floored me because it seemed discordant with my perceived reality. Totally unexpected out of left field. It may be cliche but is nevertheless true that all of your worries can end in a brief moment. Or in some cases, your worries and problems can be greatly increased in a similar moment. His death wasn't a personal loss but it definitely put my "bad day" in perspective.
Thanks for sharing that with us. You are correct. Nothing is guaranteed.
> Thanks for sharing that with us. You are correct. Nothing is guaranteed.
I concur with Cow. 😐
Life is precious and short. Tomorrow is never promised, and always a gift to wake up to it. Appreciate and validate your loved ones; cause one day you may not get that chance anymore.
(Hence why I call my dialysis receiving mother and drive her crazy, almost daily. :whistle: )
Thank you Todd.
My only real hopes for myself before I leave the realm of the living is to see my grandchildren and to find out how Mad Men and Game of Thrones will end.:-)
