This morning I learned that an ex-coworker, Eileen P., had passed away.
She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year, and after a lengthy battle she succumbed this morning.
Eileen worked as an admin assistant in our group (information Technology) at the Judicial Council. She always had a smile on her face. Once she volunteered to cut some cards that I had printed out for one of my desktop hockey games, even though it wasn’t work related. She simply had a desire to be helpful.
She had left our office some years ago, but she had visited once, the last time I had seen her, before her diagnosis, and she was as sweet and happy as she was when she worked with us in IT.
Eileen, I know you’re at peace now, which gives me and your many friends and family some comfort.
—
Moments after I found out about Eileen, another co-worker came to my cube to tell me that Michael Q. had passed away this morning as well.
He was also diagnosed with cancer, and while he fought hard and even came back to work, he also lost his battle.
Michael had a gruff exterior, but once you got to know him, you could see his heart of gold. After Mom passed away, he’d always ask me if I was okay. When the first Mother’s Day since Mom passed came around, on that Friday before, I bumped into Michael in the elevator.
My mind was heavy with thought about Mom, and out of the blue, Michael said, “This first one’s going to be tough.”
“What?” I asked.
“Mother’s Day. It’ll be tough.”
I felt some sense of relief in his words.
“Thank you,” I said. He gave me a nod.
Michael, I’ll miss lamenting about our Mets and talking shop with you.