Rick was the District's pride in the area of career / technical education, and just a terrific human being. He was one of those guys with whom inside jokes always seemed really appropriate. Once, for example, one of our fellow District staff members- an Asian lady, to be precise- confused the two of us, calling Rick my "twin." Being my typical smart-alecky self, I responded, "Jeez, you see one big white dude around here, and you think we are all the same ..." That stuck, and we were "twins" from there forward.
Well, my twin died Tuesday morning, suddenly, at age 47 (not 46 as reported in the story). All signs point to him having had a heart attack, leaving behind a wife and several children, none older than high-school age. Tragic. Such a kind, warm, funny person. I was proud to be his twin.
I realize, though, that Rick's fate is mine in 5 years if I make no changes...
Diabetes is interesting. When people hear that you have cancer, they usually say "Awww... I'm so sorry to hear that." When they find out you have diabetes, though, the response is more along the lines of "Damn.. that dude eats way too much fried chicken."
Not interested in dying. More to come. RIP my twin, Rick Ehrlenheim...
Sometimes those "wake-up" moments - difficult as they are - can be real blessings. We'd all hate to lose you, too!!!
ReplyDelete