Tribute to an Extraordinary Person

Part of living is dying. When we lose someone that we love of course this simplicity becomes not so simple to endure. I had the privilege of having Wayne Weld in my life for over 15 years. In that time, he saw my many “warts” and still wanted to be my friend anyway. I met Wayne at a business networking event. I quickly gravitated to him as did hundreds if not thousands of people in his lifetime. If you were a man in Wayne’s generation it was not common for men to express love verbally to the other. Yet I could feel that my friend loved me. Wayne was a great connector of people. As with any true friend you could count on him for the commitments that he would always keep. Although in our culture today, humility gets a bad rap. My dear and loyal friend Wayne was humble in many ways. He would admit when he was wrong and yet didn’t expect it from others. He would forgive the unforgivable treatment that he would receive from those that chose not to understand him.

My Choice to Show My love to My Friend

When we were told back in early May that Wayne had terminal cancer I prayed that I could show my love for him in this chapter of his life. The answer that I received was not at all what I thought it would be. The rewards of serving him have been many. I had the opportunity of being with someone that I loved even though it sucked being there - I did it anyway.  I saw the admiration of so many people that had similar feelings towards him express their love and service. For some this devotion was to their great detriment. – They did it anyway. I can say that this great loss of my friend will be felt for a very long time. Looking back on this part of my journey, I won’t have regrets. I was able to hold my friend’s hand and tell him what he’s meant to me and that I loved him. I was able to kiss my friend goodbye. I challenge you to show your love. It can be very difficult- but do it anyway. This part of why my life is so fulfilling.