Martin's Birthday by auntietk
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
I met Martin through a mutual friend more than 20 years ago. We played in a dart league together, we worked together for several months, and we got along great. After being friends for two or three years we started dating, and were together for 11 years.
As the years went by we talked less and our interests diverged, and when we broke up a little over seven years ago, it was our intention to stay friends. Although that doesn't always work out, against all odds we DID stay friends, and have kept in contact all this time. There are some friendships that are just too important to lose.
About three weeks ago I spent over an hour on the phone with Martin, and we got caught up on all the news. We hadn't chatted since December, so there was a lot to say.
He had been in the hospital, and had recently been moved to a rehab facility. Apparently he wasn't getting enough oxygen in his blood. It had been so bad he'd been in ICU at one point, but things were improving, and he was looking forward to going home in the next few weeks.
This morning I thought I'd better check his Facebook page to see if there was any update on his progress before I sent him a birthday text, and I found out that he had passed away on Tuesday.
Martin would have been 41 years old today.
I can't tell you how sad I am, and how big a hole his death leaves in my life.
Comments (20)
my condolences for the loss of your friend. I had two friends that died young
my heart hurts for you, Tara! my thoughts and prayers are with you and his family. Beautiful photo of him! very enigmatic presentation
Sorry to hear that, Tara! For whom the bell tolls...
I am sorry for the loss of your friend. You are fortunate that you were given the chance to speak again with your friend. It is a mystery how such things happen, I was given that chance twice in my life. After years without any contact with a grandmother, on a whim I tracked her down and spoke with her for an hour, later that night she passed away. And the same again with a dear friend. I dropped by on a whim and found she was on her death bed. I was told she had been unresponsive for weeks. I know it wasn't my imagination, but when I held her hand and I swear her eyes flickered with life for a moment, then there was a slight squeeze of her hand. She passed away the next day. We must always cherish those we love. But know, we will see them again in the land of the ancestors.
This is so sad, Tara - I wish I could give you a big hug my friend. It's always painful to lose someone close to you, and 41 is waaay too young. Jo and I send our deepest condolences, and our thoughts and prayers are with you, dear Tara. This is a wonderful photo and tribute to him.
I am very sorry to hear this, Tara. I know what it is like to lose someone close at such a young age. My brother had the same symptoms just three weeks ago. The doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. They kept giving him transfusions while they tested him. He finally started to get better and his doctor figured it was a virus. They still don't know.
Sad indeed Tara.
So young! Thinking of you in your sadness.
so sorry for your loss
prayers go out to you
A friendship like this is a gift that few people are blessed with. It takes two people that are committed enough to be there for each other unconditionally. Doesn't matter how long you are apart you can pick up as if you had seen them yesterday. Just knowing they are there is a wonderful thing. I have a friend like this. I am sorry for your loss. I am glad you have the memories to fill that hole as the days go on.
I'm deeply sorry for your loss, and for the loss to the world of your old and dear friend, tara. I remember well all you shared about him, the ease and joy of your relationship and how you remained dear to each other even after breaking up. I could tell how special he was, and how special your connection was. The sky gets dimmer when someone like Martin passes...And I'm so glad you got to speak to him recently, that it was granted to you before he passed. I'm just stunned at how young he was...Your words above are so simple and from the heart, and your image is one of your beautiful portraits that takes us right into a person's essence...you couldn't have memorialized him better, he glows here in this very moving memorial. My deepest condolences, may his light glow on you forever...with love and blessings in this deeply pained time...
Sorry to hear such sad news Tara. May our Lord Jesus Christ carry you through this loss. My condolences to you and his family and friend. God bless.
I am sorry for the loss of your friend too. God bless.
My sincere condolences, Tara, on the loss of your dear friend.
Oh, Tara, I'm so sorry to hear about Martin. I remember the first time I came to visit and the two of you picked me up at the airport. I was taken by his charming, kindly self. He'll be terribly missed by so many friends, and you, especially. .
Oh Tara, how sad this is; I cry for your loss. It's good you could stay friends all this time, and I know he will be missed. Strength to you!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and I am so sorry for your lost. I had an old friend who pasted away back in January who would have been 56 that same month so I know how you feel. It is very common for some to past right before their BD, my Mom also pasted right before hers just three days before it. I never have understood why but have seen it happen often. I will keep you and yours in my prayers...
Fabulous close-up!
I'm so sorry for your lost, dear Tara. And that after you renew your contact again, this must be a shock. About your fantastic portrait, Martin has such a penetrating look in his eyes, as if he wants to tell you all about himself, and if he thinks about it, how you will react to it. Sending an arm around your shoulder, and thinking of you (anyway already a long time)!