occurred last night. 20 years ago or so I met 2 friends who became like big brothers to me. I just moved out from Mom and Dad and got my own apartment. I was 19 at the the time and these two guys were like 25 or so, they were room mates and best friends. I was a wild child and they took me under their wings to sort of speak, kept me out of trouble but laughed at what all I could get into. No one messed with me for the fear of their wrath. We ended up moving from that Apartment complex, but We stayed in touch for a good 5 years or so. Those 2 remained best friends. Time went on and one of them got married, his name was Ken. I thought the world of Ken. I really looked up to him. Well he married the sweetest most perfect lady anyone could find, but he wasn't happy and divorced her. He became disappointed with me letting my feelings known about how he treated that lady and it strained our relationship to the point that we went our separate ways. I would say 12 to 15 years has passed since we all went our own way. In this time we've crossed paths many times. Each time I ran into one of them I would always get a report on our other friend and I could guarantee you the two of them were still best of friends. About 5 years ago I met another guy, Chris, who becomes a friend of mine and we find out later that he works with one of the two guys I know, Brad, and they have become good friends. It's a small world. 6 to 8 months ago Chris relates to me that Brad is tore up on bad news that Ken has committed suicide after learning he has cancer. This news hurt. For some reason it didn't shock me a bit. I wondered how he got the cancer? Was he on steroids? He always had a great physique. IF he had cancer and didn't think he could beat it I could believe he thought suicide was his best answer. I don't agree with it but I thought maybe that was his opinion. Over time I've really mourned the loss. I prayed. I really hurt for Ken. Last night My wife and I along with our 2 kids went out to dinner. While eating dinner I notice 3 guys and a lovely lady sit down at a table just across from us. A really nice looking group of people. Ken was a great looking guy, he's Chinese American, 6'4" and always had a smile on his face. Low and behold I notice one of them taking a little longer to sit as if he had a few too many to drink. By the time I got a look at him he had almost the back of his head too me. I just caught a glimpse of him from the side and there for 2 to 3 seconds I didn't recognize him. It's strange but then a light came on and I thought he sure resembles my old friend Ken but maybe 40 pounds lighter. I mention to my wife that he sure reminds me of Ken. My wife takes 1 look and tells me that is Ken. I almost bust out into tears thinking there is just no way. I got up and walked over to his table. He stood up and and smiled at me and gave me a hug. He said my name is Ken, What's your name? As quick as I could answer him he told everyone at the table That him and Brad were like parents to me and you could just tell how excited he was to see me, but not nearly as excited as I was to see him. He seemed very confused. He looked healthy if you didn't know him. He look 40 pounds under weight to me but still very muscular, but just very lean. He knew we lived in the same apartments but yet he asked me what I was doing in Georgia? My brother who was also there with us told my wife he was geeked up on coke? I son't know the reason behind his behavior? Was it coke? Maybe he really has cancer and he's on some kind of serious pain medicine? I don't know why I was told he committed suicide? It's so strange. I just wonder if any in his group caught on to why I looked so surprised, but yet so happy to see him? It's like I seen a ghost. Of course I couldn't come out and mention to him I heard he had committed suicide. While we were talking Ken did call his old room mate (Brad) and handed me the phone, only to get a voice message. I left him my number and asked him to give me a call. Hopefully I can get some answers. I guess there's really no reason to put this on the forum, But I can't sleep right now and just think it's so strange. Anything this weird ever happened to any of you?
Truly weird, Tailback. I hope you get some answers. To think someone had died and then to see them alive has to be a very strange and emotionally draining experience.
Does he have a canoe? 8) Seriously...very strange evening there TB. That could mess up a good dinner but on the other hand someone you were mourning for is alive so all in all it's a good thing.
That is truly an emotional experience Tailback. But now you have back a old friend and that is a good thing.
I called my friend Chris and he confirmed that he thought Ken had died of Cancer. At least that was what he was told by Brad. He was as shocked as I was when I told him that his death was greatly exzagerated. Why Brad told him that I have no idea? Weird huh? I do think he may be sick, cancer? Maybe thats why he acted the way he did last night? Strong drugs? Morphine? I have no idea? Anyway, this was such a strange experience I thought some may find it interesting. Ken didn't speak of his illness and I didn't ask. I am relieved that he didn't take his own life.
wow <t>thanks for sharing that. Sincerely, I mean that. I love those mind blowing experiences that make life worth living.<br/> <br/> One thing is for sure, I'd want to talk to Brad if I were you.</t>
:shock: Wowza! That sounds like an episode of the Twilight Zone. Corey's right. You need to talk with Brad. There's more to this story than they've told you. The only similar story that I have is not a very good one. For over 30 years, I always told anyone who would listen to me that the fastest high school pitcher that I ever saw was a lefthander named Bill Delo (Dee-Low) who played for our team at Damien. He was killed in Vietnam in 1967 and his name was/is on a memorial plaque at the school with all the other names of Damien students who lost their lives in that war. All the other guys from our team told similar stories about the late Wild Bill and his heater... I was repeating one of those stories to a coworker in 1999, when the guy stopped and said, "WHO did you say?" When I repeated the name he said, "Bill Delo is my next door neighbor in Fontana." Not believing that it could be the same person, he double-checked for me and guess what? It was him. He'd been shot down in Vietnam alright, but he had survived and moved to Fontana and was shocked that everyone back at Damien High School had been grieving for him all those years...