Raise a glass with me to the memory of an old friend.
I knew Jamie Lynne "Speedy" Frederick from childhood. He was the same age as me, yet he once told me he thought of me as his big brother. His was a gentle soul, sometimes too easily taken advantage of. He was an Army veteran and a family man. He also saw the inside of prison, and had continuing problems with the police, most of the time from their side of the argument. He had a rough life, but was finally on track to straighten things out and settle in to a peaceful middle age.
Late last Saturday night he was walking to the corner store for some smokes. For whatever reason he entered the intersection against the light, and was struck by a car that never saw him. At that point he might have walked away from it, but then a second car struck him as he was trying to stand up. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His is the fourth death his family has seen since the beginning of the year. Just a month ago his little sister passed away. Before that two close family friends passed, one from an undiagnosed cancer. Speedy's one remaining sister has been in tears all this time. Having health issues of her own, she's in no condition to deal with all that's been coming at her. But she has to, and she has, with the help of all her friends.
Here's to you, Speedy. Your pain is finally done. May you finally rest in peace. May you walk among the stars.
= new reply since forum marked as read
and a toast, may he be remembered for the best that he was.
How awful. And he suffered even then.
My heart goes out to you, and to his family, who must endure this painful loss.
I hope with all my heart that your good memories of him will sustain you in this time of wracking grief...
I am sorry about your friend and send healing thoughts to his sister as well.
(Glass raised...)
... always should be the first toast of the evening.
-- Mal
I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend. I'm glad he had you in his life, Prisoner_Number_Six.
My condolences. I'll have a glass of sparkling diet grape juice because my sugars up.
Here's looking at you, Speedy.
