In shock
Not in a literal sense, I suppose, but deeply shaken.
One of our friends died last night of a heart attack.
It was completely unexpected. We were all busy planning our fancy dress outfits for his 60th birthday party in a couple of weeks.
His poor, poor wife. She works with my husband and has been an angel to him and his coworkers. She was up for retirement in a couple of years - unimaginable that both of them were nearing retirement.
So full of...life.
A year ago, they bought a pub to run together during their retirement. They'd made it such a wonderful place, put so much time and effort into the decorating, the atmosphere, the special events.
I didn't know her husband, K, quite so well. He was such a wonderful man, though. So kind, so friendly...really the life and soul of anything that went on at that pub.
He had a listening ear for anyone, he was incredibly generous, he was raised in Hong Kong and cooked wonderful Cantonese food.
No one saw it coming. He wasn't unhealthy, as far as I know. Just 'normal' for his age. Slightly overweight, drank and ate a tiny bit too much.
It's really knocked me sideways. I don't know what his wife is going to do now. All those plans for the new pub. Presumably she still needs to continue with them for financial reasons - but now without him.
I don't know whether to send flowers. I shall send a card, but they are/were such a popular couple. If my husband died, I think I would hate to have a home full of flowers, I'd find it totally overwhelming.
What do you think?
And any spare prayers for K and the family would be wonderful.
R xxx