It Didn't Have To Be This Way

Some of my co-workers attended a funeral on Tuesday for a comrade who passed away. I debated for hours whether or not to go but ultimately decided against it. We weren't particularly close, and other than my co-workers I knew no one else who was going.

The more I've heard about the circumstances of his death, the more it bothers me. Not that I didn't go, but what led up to his passing and the days that followed.

A little background first: He worked at my company for 13 years until being laid off at the end of July. About 3 years earlier he suffered a mild stroke at work, and doctors told him it was not his first. He made changes to his diet and lifestyle and lost a lot of weight, but still needed a stent put in about 18 months ago.

Work was his life. He had few family members, and didn't socialize with many people outside of work. The layoff, predictably, was devastating. My co-workers tried to keep in regular contact with him, offering what assistance they could. Other people in the office would see him periodically and chat with him. Despite what had happened, he seemed to be doing okay. The only concern was he seemed to become more and more distant with everybody.

Everything that happened next is what we've heard since this past Monday.

About two weeks ago, someone else in the office saw him and based on how he looked, suggested he go see a doctor.

About four days after that, he died at home. Natural causes, though whether heart attack or stroke we don't know.

Two days later was his mother's birthday. When he didn't call, she became concerned and called him the next day. No answer.

She called his sister, who spent much of the following day calling him. No answer.

His sister called one of his friends and asked if he'd go check. The friend went to his condo and knocked. No answer. He then called the police, who were able to gain entry.

The thing that gets to me is not only did he not reach out to anybody, and that it seems like he just gave up, but that he had so few people in his life that he was dead for 3 days before anyone knew it.

Obviously the viewing before the funeral was closed-casket. Sadly, the lid became the appropriate metaphor for how he lived. And how he died.

I understand the appeal of living a quiet life. But I don't see the value in sheltering yourself so much that the only people who attend your funeral are five relatives, five co-workers, and the two owners of the sports bar you'd go to 3-4 nights a week.

It didn't have to be this way.

A Farewell to Omelettes

About 7 years ago I was tested for allergies. I was stuck, probed, prodded, scratched, and probably was implanted with electronic bugs or something. When all was said and done there was a long list of things in the environment I was allergic to: Most grasses, tree pollen, weeds, you get the idea.

I also was positive for soy and corn. Soy was a surprise, but I suspected corn would be on the list simply because of the physical reaction any time I'd have some popcorn.

Over the years I've found there are other foods that cause a similar reaction, but only if eaten in sufficient quantity. Lettuce, broccoli, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, peas, and green beans immediately come to mind.

Now alas, I add eggs to the list.

If I'm baking something that calls for eggs as an ingredient, I don't seem to get a reaction. But eggs as a main part of the meal will eventually make me a very unhappy person.

I may be able to do okay with egg whites, and Egg Beaters are palatable with enough spices thrown in there. The next few weeks will tell. Either way it looks like I'll be looking for new alternatives for breakfast on the weekend.