On death and dying

Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of my best friend, Steven A. Clark. One year ago he was murdered outside of a musical venue in North Hollywood, CA. I have written about him before. Steve was an extremely gregarious individual. Larger than life, both physically and charismatically. He was a person that you could depend on to be there for you, thick and thin, and he was brutally honest.

In the year since his death, I have often thought about him. What he would have aspired to. What new things he would be doing. Steve was a champion of the homeless and down trodden. He worked for the National Veterans Foundation, where he headed the "Street Team", an outreach group that traveled into the heart of 'Skid Row' in downtown Los Angeles and reached out to those in need. He empathized with those living on the streets because he too had come from the streets. Hustling for money, abusing drugs and alcohol. Steve was as direct as they come, and he knew the most effective way to help. Do the work yourself.

Steve was young, only 27 when he died. So much potential. So much left to do. His daughter is a spitting image of her father.

I have had friends die in the past. I am a veteran of 2 tours in Iraq. However Steve's death affected me more than any before him. Since that time I have spent countless amounts of time in meditation and reflection about death and dying. The impermanence of life. How each moment that we have is precious and must not be squandered. In my liniage we have a mantra that says:

Let me respectfully remind you
Life and death are of supreme importance.
Time passes swiftly by and opportunity is lost.
Each of us must strive to awaken;
Awaken!!
Take heed; do not squander your life.

In this hour, in this moment, we must observe and pay attention. Nothing is promised. Tomorrow may never come. All we truly "have" is right now.

I owe a lot to Steve. He was one of my teachers. He taught me much while he was still alive, and much more in his death. Today, I give thanks that I was given the opportunity to meet him and be his friend. For that, I am truly grateful.

In Gassho,
St.John