This morning I got a message from DFJ3 that his dad, DFJ2, passed away. A few years ago, he had a stroke and heart attack that really slowed him down. Two weeks ago he had another heart attack, was touch-and-go for a while, but his condition gradually worsened and he died around four this morning. Thankfully the family had a little bit of time to prepare themselves.

DFJ2 was the source of one of my favorite bits of wisdom: “If you can count your closest friends on more than one hand, you’re lucky. If you count them on more than two, you’re lying.” I’m lucky in the sense that he meant, and lucky to have known the man.

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This afternoon one of my friends and coworkers, Allison, died. I haven’t heard an official version of events, but the long and short of it is that she had a heart attack.

It was shocking and devastating. It is shocking and devastating. I heard that Alli wasn’t feeling so well this weekend, but still–this came out of nowhere. No family history of dying young. She was getting into better shape. I’m fairly certain she wasn’t even 30 years old. I think she would’ve been 29 this June.

This is one of very few times I’m not looking forward to work tomorrow. I mourn her loss, and grieve with her friends and family. Too stunned to say much else right now.

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Actually, here’s something I wrote when Morgan died a while back: “Be better to each other.” It works here, too.