[Nobbc] Yesterday's Memorial Drive

[Gregory Tatarian]

Hi Friends,

Just a big thank you for a great drive and chance to share our happy
memories of Ron and concerns for his family yesterday. It was a beautiful
drive and perfect destination (thank you John), although it was very quiet
in our car, with Trish and myself lost in our thoughts as we drove.

Also a big thank you to Deb for corralling us and breaking the ice in
talking about Ron. I had meant to do just that, but was having a really
difficult time with it, as I think we all were. I know many of you came to
me and said you just couldn't really talk about your feelings yet.

I understand. This kind of loss is something I feel in both an empathetic
and personal way; I feel sad for our friend's premature end to this life and
grief for his family, but also a sense that this could have been me leaving
behind my wife, family and loved ones. It's hard not to see myself in Ron's
place, and having recently had losses in our family and with other friends,
these feelings are pretty close to the surface these days.

If there is one good thing that comes from this loss and sadness, it's that
I can step back and appreciate so much more, the relationships I cherish and
friendships that are so important to me. Life can be too short, and ends in
a heartbeat. This has been another reminder to me to live life well, with
joy and care, thoughtfulness and abandon, and with contentment, though still
striving for more.

I love the NOBBC's spirit and its participants, and thank Ron again for
leading us these many years.

Best to you all,

Greg