Last Week a good friend of mine Richard Carlson died at age 45

[Pachamama]

Last week I found out that my very dear friend Richard Carlson died and I am feeling this loss very deeply and am frankly in shock. Many of you may of heard of him because he was an author of books such as "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff". He was only 45. He died on my youngest daughter's birthday last Wednesday. He had a heart attack on board a flight from SFO to JFK. He was on his way to do a talk show interview on his latest book “Don’t be Scrooged”. I will be going to his Memorial this week and it feels so surreal. I am so, so sad right now. It was so sudden, so unexpected and I am still in disbelief. I pictured Richard on the plane looking up as he was dying and seeing all the strangers around him trying to save his life. I always knew he would be among the angels someday, just not so soon. Richard is someone who when I was hitting rock bottom back in my Mid-Twenties (as we all have been there) had really helped me out – he is also the one who introduced me to his mentor, Sheila Krystal and to the teachings of Sai Baba.

Anyway, here’s a copy of his obituary from the Chronicle:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/16/BAGI9N0MOA1.DTL

I feel that 2006 has been a very big year for loss of people dear to us all, even here on the DU and to this planet. I am feeling so mortal all of the sudden and realizing how fragile life can be. Remember to let those that you love know how you feel about them this holiday - and everyday.

Namaste

Pachamama

:grouphug:

[soleft]

1. Very sad news

I wish you great comfort.

[blm]

2. Sending kind thoughts to you. Carlson was, indeed, a special loss for humanity.

.

[Pachamama]

4. One of the gifts he had was to be able to take concepts and teachings of Buddha and put them into

simple terms that was easy to understand. I always thought this was a special and important gift. I sometimes teased him that his books were referred to as "Bubblegum Psychology" but we both knew that was a good thing because it meant that it made for easy reads that the masses would and could digest on very important concepts.

He was truly someone who walked the talk. A lot of times there are people that preach one thing but don't follow it in their own life. Not Richard. His books really were summaries of his personal and spiritual beliefs and truths and he lived those truths.

I'm going to miss him so much. I really loved him and I feel that at 45, he was only just getting started on his journey and communicating to the people. He has two teenage daughters, Jazzy and Kenna who were everything to him. I am so sad for them that they won't have him with them to see them grow up and become parents too.

[Booster]

3. I just read Mr. Carlson's obit in my paper a few minutes ago. I

lost my brother to a heart attack when he was just 50 yrs old; way too young for both to go. I'm sorry for your loss and especially at this time of the year.

[mnhtnbb]

5. It's really hard seeing the good ones go young. RIP, Richard

[Beaverhausen]

6. This is sad news

so young...

I don't own his books, but I read a bit of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" a few years ago and several of his suggestions stick with me even today.

May he be at peace.

[Pachamama]

9. So young is right...

Another friend of Richard and mine is leaving for India on Saturday...she is going to be in Bodh Gaya, the place of the Buddha’s enlightenment. She will light some some candles there for Richard.

Apparentely Richard just released another book called "Don't Get Scrooged - How to Thrive in a World Full of Obnoxious, Incompetent, Arrogant, and Downright Mean-Spirited People".

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0060758929/ref=pd_rvi_gw_1/102-3172233-0876925

I am so backlogged on my book readings, but I'll admit that his book is timely and I know that Richard thought of this administration as a bunch of Scrooges.....

[Hissyspit]

7. Condolences to you Pachamama.

:hug:

[Straight Shooter]

8. I am very sorry for your loss and for the loss of all those who cherish Richard Carlson.

Peace be with you.

Namaste. :hug:

[Pithlet]

10. Very sad news.

I'm sorry for your loss. :hug:

[Avalux]

11. Namaste.....

and I am so sorry for your loss. :hug: