Within three short weeks, five people intertwined in a grouping that I know, and care about, have either gone missing (and are being searched for), or have died. A catastrophic motorcycle accident, left a coworker's friend, dead in the street. A young, handsome man, a Marine, and back from Afghanistan, only to die in the street, in a freak accident. A beautiful, old school dancer, who was known for her "life of the party" essence and big heart, lost her battle of addiction to pills and alcohol. Two bouncers, well known and loved in the Portland circuit, who I've worked with for years, went camping to "blow off steam" after the news of the girls' death. They've since been missing outside Tillamook for four days now. No sign of car, tracks, smoke signals, or smells for the K9 units. And finally, today, a man who played percussion for a well known Portland band, is gone. I didn't know much about him, other than he was an excellent tipper, knew me by name, and was always in good spirits. I enjoyed seeing his face at my bar, and his energy, which always changed mine.
I've gone 10+ years without death knocking on doors around my neighborhood, but it seems as though it's overdue, and collecting payment threefold. My little heart and head are spinning with sadness. A little for myself, but mostly for those of my friends who are closer to the departed. All I can do is donate money, time, prayers, thoughts, vibes, share information and hug the friends who I have today.
Death is something we all have in common, and it never gets any easier to welcome.
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