In my last blog I wrote about the wonderful relationships I have been fortunate to develop having been doing this line of work for nearly 20 years. When you handle life or death matters for people you can’t help but develop a kinship.
What’s even more rewarding is that these relationships last a lifetime. Even if the ex-client doesn’t need any additional legal services I still send birthday cards, holiday cards, and make sure I stay in touch. Heck, I still communicate with friends I represented in the 80’s!!!!! (That’s back when I had a New Wave haircut and listened to Duran Duran…Eeek!!!!)
You can thus understand that it really hits me hard when I learn of the passing of one of these friends. While death is inevitable, you really can never come to grips with it.
I found out that a long time client and friend, Lenny Bolasky, died of a stroke on January 23,2008. Lenny had multiple health problems and had recently had a leg amputated. He was only 49.
Despite having to deal with the vicious pain from all of his different medical problems, Lenny never let it get him down. His closest friend Joyce Latham said he was the same old good natured, lovable Lenny, even up to his last days. She told me that several months ago Lenny was able to get into a handicapped-friendly apartment which bolstered his spirits.
Joyce remembered when she first met Lenny, over 20 years ago, that her car didn’t have a radio. She recalls driving around Baltimore, with Lenny riding shotgun, listening to Lenny sing song after song to entertain her. Or the many times they would go fishing for the day. She knows he’s in a better place now…free from the pain that practically crippled him. She will miss him dearly.
Me. I’m just gonna miss the Lenny that always had a smile on his face and nice things to say whenever we crossed paths. Like Lenny, I love to sing (especially in the car though my wife threatens to get out at a stoplight and walk if I don’t stop). Here’s hoping there’s a non stop jukebox full of all your favorite rock and roll tunes in the better place that you’ve gone, my friend.
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