Chris was a former regular a number of years ago. He stopped participating because he didn't like coming to the park. We also disagreed on the way certain things were being done. Even so, that didn't stop him from encouraging people he knew to begin to volunteer helping out with me at the park. Over time during conversations we had at the library, we'd become better friends.
Earlier this year, a mutual acquaintance had made the observation that Chris appeared to have given and had let himself go. He'd put on some serious weight, but claimed to be doing OK. I took him at his word.
I was stunned to hear that Chris passed away earlier this week. Apparently he'd required surgery for a hernia, but complications set in and the extended time under anesthesia sent Chris into a coma for almost two weeks. During that time he suffered two heart attacks and the doctors were able to revive him. However, he suffered a third heart attack this past Monday which proved fatal.
Chris wasn't the first and I expect that he won't be the last person I've encountered on the street to pass on, but this one feels different for reasons I have yet to identify.
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