Losing a Friend
I made a friend a year and a half ago. A year ago he died in his sleep from a heart attack. This week’s article (one year anniversary) is about him and some of his wisdom.
Mike Buckley was 52. He had a servant’s soul. His ability to enjoy every waking moment was infectious. Buckley, as people called him, was an extraordinary person. He took a year off his HP marketing job and traveled the world. In that year, he traveled with friends. Visited far away friends. He made new friends.
We met on the India trek in September 2006. The trek organizer, Jeff Salz, described Buckley as “the world’s best human.” Fortunately on the trip, I was able to capture Buckley imparting some of his insights on video.
A few days ago I made a four minute film and posted it on YouTube as a tribute to a life well lived.
Here is a sliver of wisdom from Mike Buckley:
1. It is important to just stop and take yourself out of the equation. We are all brothers and sisters.
2. Remember the qualities of patience and gratitude.
3. In this journey, be right here, right now.
4. Retirement for you does not have to be your father’s retirement.
5. You are born into your family. You also make your own family as you go. That is a true test of a life well lived.
6. Look at your chosen family and be thankful for that.
7. “Saying goodbye means I don’t want you to go because part of me feels like it is selfish. I want you to go, for you.”
There are times we meet people who set a standard of what is possible. Mike Buckley set the kindness bar very high indeed.
Like you, I try to fit as much life into my days as I possibly can. By doing this I was fortunate to travel to India and become friends with Buckley.
May we all aspire to higher degrees of kindness, a standard that came naturally to Buckley.
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