Yesterday a Friend Passed Away...

He was sixteen years older than me. What connected us? Not much... He was born in a small country in northeastern Europe, where I was brought at the age of three. His parents took him away from that country when he was two, fleeing from the advancing Red Army. I left the same country alone at the age of sixteen to "discover new horizons"... However, generations of his ancestors and, partially, mine lived in that country. We both knew the language of that country, but not very well. At the same time, we enjoyed speaking it somehow, as well as reading and writing. We both felt drawn to that country, to the surprise and sometimes disapproval of our wives and children. He spent practically his entire life in America. I spent the majority of my adult life on the North American continent. We both studied long and hard, and then worked hard... like workhorses... And we seemed to have achieved some level of success...

Despite the age difference, we had practically identical political views and values. Additionally, we both loved good music, fine art, beautiful women, good wine, fine cognac, good food, fine cigars, and good pipe tobacco, and we tried not to deprive ourselves of the aforementioned whenever possible...

A few days ago, his heart failed him... American doctors operated on him, but unfortunately, without success. Several hours after the surgery, he briefly regained consciousness. Having looked around the hospital room where his relatives and friends gathered by his bed, he said, "You guys sure are gloomy here! It would be much nicer if you turned on some good music!" Someone randomly turned on the radio, and the sounds of jazz filled the room...
"Well, this way it's much better!" he said, smiled widely, and... passed away.

That's how he will be remembered... Departing from our world with a happy smile on his face...

Victoria,
July 24 - September 20, 2018