A good old friend of mine watched his wife of almost 34 years die this afternoon.
Dick “Matts” Mattson was my boss, colleague, and mentor when I worked in the athletic department at the University of Minnesota. A friendship developed over the 15 years we worked together in the crucible of big time college athletics. Many hours spent together, working hard, playing harder, and traveling across the country for games, equipment managers’ conventions and trade shows will create some great memories. Over the years Matts taught me the equipment business, how to travel 'in style' on a shoestring budget (Zubaz? Really?), a lot about how to treat people, and a little bit about life.
After working for and with Matts for 15 years I left the athletic department and we drifted apart. Upon hearing yesterday about his wife’s grave condition and dire prognosis I called him. Although we hadn’t spoken for 2 years, since the Gophers' inaugural game at TCF Bank Stadium, we were able to chat as if we had just spoken the day before. It is a true testament to the deep bonds of friendship that despite the fact that he was basically waiting out his wife’s final hours we were still able to talk for a while, laugh a little, and relate to each other so well.
I’m told that Matts’ wife Lu had been at St. Mary’s hospital in Rochester, under the care of the Mayo Clinic doctors, for the past 18 weeks. Her death obviously is unfortunate, but she died with dignity, on her own terms, with family able to say farewell. Matts found serenity in the fact that she would no longer be in pain and that her suffering would be alleviated. For that he told me he was grateful.
We aren’t all that fortunate. Life is uncertain. Death comes when it comes. Events like the one my friend Matts experienced today remind me that I need to let those that are near and dear to me know, each and every day, that I love and value them. I hope you’ll do the same.
Rest in peace Lu Mattson.
Life is indeed too short.
I heard the Billy Joel song, “Piano Man” not long after hearing of Lu’s passing. Like Billy Joel, I too make my living sitting at a keyboard. He gets more ‘bread’ put in his jar than I do in mine, but I digress.
To me the song “Piano Man” has always been about life’s unfulfilled ambitions, and regrets about dreams not pursued. I really like the song and it holds good memories to me. I found it fitting that I heard that particular song today after not hearing it for quite a while. Perhaps in addition to letting those I love know how I feel (so I won’t be sharing a drink they call loneliness), maybe I should be taking a little time to ponder what I’ve made of my life and make sure I’m at least fulfilling SOME of my dreams. I think I’m doing pretty well; lovely wife, great kids, job, and a nice home. But maybe, just maybe, there are a few dreams I haven’t pursued actively enough. Maybe there are a few things I can/should change…
WHO KNOWS?
Hang in there Todd. Sorry to hear about your friend's wife.
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to pursue my passion of being a photographer-and getting paid for it. Haven't given up yet. Kryn
Kryni, I've seen your work. Outstanding. I'm not sure how you're NOT getting paid for it. If I had your talent I'd put together a calendar of 12 of your best shots and see if they'd sell 'em at the Arboretum and at state parks in MN. You seem to capture some of the cooler MN things we all walk by without noticing each day. Just a thought.
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