During my many years living in Thailand, we tend to make friends, many not from our country, and they can sometimes be casual, sometimes close, and some as close as family. The interesting part is that you learn about the universal struggles for us here as foreigners and at times the wrestling with what we left behind at home in search of ourselves or our dreams.
For me, this past week losing a friend who had been here 20+ years married with a child, had a tough time his last few years on this earth.
First diagnosed with kidney cancer and the subsequent removal of the kidney, followed by diagnoses of brain cancer, to which in the end he succumbed.
So, I found myself struggling with my mortality. This year 2024 has been particularly tough, losing my parents, daughter, and now a friend.
The realization that life is bitterly short, and we need to enjoy as much time enjoying ourselves as we can -while we can.
Rest In Peace, Phil