My 4 amazing 80-something friends became my 4 amazing 90-something friends. Now there is one left

[DFW]

Nothing lasts forever. Nothing like losing Stan Lee to bring that one home (again).

I was privileged to have four incredible friends in their 80s ten years ago. All were well-known in some circles, unknown in others. Most people in Hollywood had no idea who Helen Thomas was. Most people in Washington didn't know who Theo Bikel was. Some people in both knew who Ruth Westheimer and Stan Lee were. Plenty of Americans had no clue who any of them were.

In the last five years, I have lost three friends in Helen Thomas, Theodore Bikel and now Stanley Lieber (Stan Lee). Ruth ("Dr. Ruth" ) Westheimer, the youngest of the bunch is still going strong at 90 (she just turned 90 this year).

But basically, I hear the voice loud and clear: you're next. It's your turn now to do start making a difference (if you aren't already) or not. Time WILL pass you by, but with the car door open, and slow enough for you to hop in for the ride. I know I will never come anywhere near leaving as lasting an impact on history as Helen, Stan, Theo or Ruth. I'm not even going to try.

But I don't want to feel I stayed completely on the sidelines, either. Harry Truman used to quote an epitaph he saw on a gravestone in Tombstone, Arizona: "Here lies Jack Williams. He done his damndest." Helen, Theo and Stan certainly "did their damndest." If I can convince myself I did, too, then it will do. It will have to.

I usually don't get this sentimental. Sorry about that. Losing Stan hit home, even if I knew it was coming.