A Death in the Family

Yesterday, I found out that a very good college friend – my fraternity brother – died in Iraq.

I held it together as I talked to one of my co-workers right after I found out. The co-worker mistakenly started off our conversation by calling me a “tree-hugging liberal.” Usually I just laugh when he says things like that. Yesterday, I didn’t laugh.

I held it together while I talked to numerous fraternity brothers about what had happened. Details are still sketchy. Most of us are still a little numb. I know I am.

I held it together…until I had to tell my wife. And that’s when I lost it. I don’t know if Crystal’s ever seen me cry before yesterday.

Yesterday, Freeman Gardner, my fraternity brother, my friend, died in Iraq.

Today is a very bad day.

Tomorrow, I will go buy the first suit I’ve bought in 8 years. It will be black.

3 Responses to “A Death in the Family”

  1. Don Tate II

    Sorry Varian. I’ve never lost a close friend. I’ve been married for 13 years, and my wife has never seen me cry, even when my grandmother died. I can’t bring myself to share that part of me.

    And on another note, two weeks ago, I had to buy a suit, too. A black one. For a wedding. But since I don’t wear suits often, it may serve a few funerals, too. Best wishes to you. Again, sorry about the sad news.