Stay healthy and hug a little longer.

A few days ago, the world lost a wonderful soul. My friend (dating back more than 40 years to our college days) Royce Duncan made the transition from this world to what lies beyond. The end came far too soon and far too quickly for family and friends.

I think when we reach the end of our time in this world, one question can help determine the impact and legacy we leave behind: “What good did we do with the talents and opportunities afforded us while we walked the earth?” By any measure, Royce did well. Very well.  His life epitomized the ideas of personal growth, integrity and resilience. No matter what he did, Royce did it with absolute and authentic joy.

I will miss attending Braves baseball games and having a beer in the 755 Club with Royce. (Royce once told me with a smile, “Life is too short to drink bad beer.” Yes, it is–on both counts.) I will miss his wisdom and guidance on all things tax-related. (He was our accountant for 40 years). I will miss his practical jokes and his sense of humor. (He loved April Fool’s Day. One year he had an assistant call me to tell me our tax returns had been mistakenly shredded! He loved a good laugh.) I will miss our political conversations. (Even when we disagreed, it was with civility and respect. We attempted to understand and learn from each other. That is becoming a lost art.) I will miss his generosity of spirit. (He and his wife did mission work in Central America.)

I will miss this man with a heart who created a wonderful life for all those he touched.

Photo by Steve Piscitelli

While there remains a hole in so many hearts with the sudden loss of our dear friend, I take great comfort in the lessons he left.

In an earlier post on this blog I wrote, “There is a basic need to be heard, to be listened to, to share, and to build a community.” Royce had the ability to hear, listen, share and build. Some of us can do one or two. Not many have the talent to bring all together.

Photo by Steve Piscitelli

His deeds reminded me that we would do well to live each moment with:

• Appreciation.
• Community-Mindedness.
• Discipline.
• Gratitude
• Humor.
• Joy.
• Love.
• Passion.
• Positivity.
• Present-Mindedness.
• Respect.

He used his talents, savored his life, loved his family and cherished his friends. And he did it with a genuine and authentic spirit of love.  He had a quiet self-confidence that touched all he came into contact with.

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The man with the a heart created a wonderful life. I’ll catch up with you, my friend, on the other side.

Stay healthy and hug a little longer—H.T.R.B. as needed.

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My books Choices for College Success (3^rd edition) and Study Skills: Do I Really Need This Stuff?  (3^rd edition) are published by Pearson Education.

(c) 2016. Steve Piscitelli. All rights reserved.