R.I.P. Liam

It's a very sad, yet peaceful day in this home and in many homes around the country.

Liam passed away in his sleep last night.

Brad had received a heads up from Liam's sister that he may not make it through the night.

I heard the text come in at 2:30 AM our time and tried to wake Brad, as I knew it could only mean one thing. He wouldn't wake, so I decided to just let him sleep, he would find out quickly enough.

After a few more texts came in, he woke. There were no words passed between us; there didn't have to be. I understood exactly what he now knew. I eventually fell back to sleep, but for Brad, sleep did not come.

Brad lost a best friend today. The pain of that is enormous, however it also comes with some peace. Liam is no longer suffering, he is now where he needs to be. Thankfully, he passed in his sleep and was surrounded by loved ones.

The funeral will be massive. He lived his life the best way; full of good times with family and friends. Brad told me that Liam was the best man or MC in many weddings and I've already mentioned his huge social circle. I think that speaks for itself.

The man was one of a kind. He didn't want people to feel sorry for him and he always tried to look at the bright side, even at his lowest of lows.

He is an inspiration.

Here is an article in the Chronicle Herald, May 1st, on Liam:

http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/91787-dartmouth-man-receives-unique-cancer-treatment

Here is a sentence in the article that I beg you to all sit up and pay extremely important attention to - "...Nova Scotia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in Canada". Please, please take care of yourselves.

I've been listed for 2 months today. It's hard to understand why some of us get a second chance at life...while others don't.

Maybe this will never be understood.

Maybe what we need to do is live for them; keep their memories alive and never, ever take 1 single day of our lives for granted.