Today more then ever I am reminded that next to God, there is nothing more important in this life then your friends and your family. Whether we lose touch or move to another country like I did its so important to try to maintain the relationships with those really close friends that made you who you are today. Even if its a quick phone call or a quick chat online. These are the friendships that shapped us and got us through a lot of our troubles.
On Monday a loyal and trusted friend passed away after years of on and off health complications. I had only just chatted with him a few weeks back and he was telling me how he wasn’t doing so well and that the doctors couldn’t figure out what was going on this time. I tried to reassure him and told him he would be ok because I had seen him pull through health issues like this in the past. So I never thought for a second this would be the last time I would ever get to talk to him.
I’m glad I spent that afternoon with you last year when I was back in Canada. We always could hang out after years apart and it would be like we never missed a day. You still never let me live down that “little green men” episode in your basement so many years ago. You even brought it up in our last chat. Your passing made me take stock of whats important. With all the stressing I’ve been doing lately .. with all the “stuff” going on in my life right now I’d really started to lose sight of that simple art of hanging out with good friends.
I’m sitting here in a cafe reading the goodbye messages on your facebook page .. not at all surprised at the amount of people that love you and will miss you dearly. Your passing has taught me an invaluable lesson .. I’m no longer going to let life’s stuff or distance get in the way of what really matters.. friends. We had some awesome times back in the Parkwood youth group days and even beyond.
I remember when I used to work the night shift in security and we would talk all night on the phone. Sometimes about serious things and sometimes just to keep each other company. We were just teenagers when we met. You were skinny little kid with purple fingertips and purple lips because you hadn’t had your first heart transplant yet. What I loved about you straight away was that you never let your health issues get in the way of a good time. You were always cracking jokes .. sometimes even at your own expense. You made everyone smile.
Your funeral was only a few hours ago and for the most selfish of reasons I did not come. I know that I could not have handled being there. I just still cannot believe your gone bro .. I’m not ashamed to say I’ve shed many tears over your passing and I will likely shed even more. I know in the end you got yourself right with God and knowing that your up there with Him now only makes it a little bit easier. Of course I’d still rather you we’re down here with us. I will never forget you Scott .. I love you bro!
My prayers are with Craig and the rest of Scott’s family .. may God extend his grace to all of you.
You can share your memories of Scott on his facebook memorial page found here ..
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Scott-Janisse-Memorial/186897778056891?sk=wall
