Ralph was a neighbor of mine as a kid. He was married and had a few kids that were older then me. I always liked Ralph and we would talk once in a while. I watched Ralph go to work everyday and bring in groceries , I watched Ralph do a lot of things. Sometimes I would ask him very direct questions like are you happy ? I wanted to know if someone who played by the rules and was dedicated to his family 100% was happy. Ralph was no grump and I remember him always in great spirits around the holidays.
Ralph worked as an electrician in NYC and was in the National Guard. He had a son that was great on the guitar and was the first person to smoke marijuana with me, Ralph didn’t know about all that. I remember Ralph asking me about what I wanted to do with my own life I remember that because I don’t remember anyone in my family asking. Anyway Ralph was forced to retire and soon he was around more and we would go fishing together. Ralph must of left his job with some good money because he bought a new Cadillac and his wife was styling and she was going out to bars without Ralph. Ralph looked out for many kids around the way. Ralph’s son I knew the guitar guy actually moved into the city and got his own place and then weirdly died of cancer in like two weeks. I remember it was around this time that a lady crashed into Ralph’s cadillac and the whole front was lifted up and watching Ralph driving down the street.
Anyway Ralph started going into the hospital his self and had bad heart problems and he really started going down hill. I would run into him when I stopped into this local dive bar, the kind of place that is dark in the daytime. I would see Ralph in the corner and of course Ralph was a God in there because I think they paid most of their bills thanks to Ralph. Anyway in my eyes Ralph did all the right things he never mentioned that his wife was cheating behind his back or that his daughter had a bad rep for being overly sexual, in fact I never seen Ralph mad once but I did see him cry.
One day I saw Ralph getting into the passenger side of the car he had a suitcase and I yelled across Ralph where you off to ? He closed the door and started walking over toward me and I could see he wasn’t to happy.
What’s up Ralph ? where you going ?
He said this to me. John I’m going to Calvary Hospital. I knew all about Calvary Hospital because my grandfather died in Calvary Hospital and it’s the hospital you don’t come home from. I looked confused at Ralph and said I can’t believe it Ralph. I can’t believe this what’s wrong ?
He told me.
John I have known you since you were a young boy and I never told you but of all the kids around here you were always my favorite. I wish I wasn’t sick and had more time, I would of really wanted to watch you have a family one day. I hope you take care of yourself and say a prayer for me if you don’t mind.
I starting crying as I watched Ralph turn and walk back to his car. I watched as he looked back at me standing there. Ralph died awhile after and I was glad I got to go with my Mother many times to see him. He was in great spirits every time we went and we loved talking about the Yankees.
I thought about Ralph today as I sat in the beautiful Sun listening to oldies thinking about one thing LIFE and how grateful I should be for today, the past is gone.No matter what problems we may face today there are plenty of Ralph’s that wish they had the chance.
Miss You Ralph
William McKeen sits at the grave of his best friend Kevin Lucas in Section 60 Arlington National Cemetery.
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Amazing post John, we are not promised even another breath. I have had one of those weekends too, my daughter is here and I haven’t been able to spend much time with her in the last few months, so I have been very grateful this weekend…
.-= Keith@ Blog Tips´s last blog ..I Did It The Hard Way: =-.
I’m surprised you’ve been around today….I’m still waiting on my granddaughter …. lol. This little girl will pay dearly for making us wait for her with great expectation!
Have fun…..(no cheese on the pizza and only veggies) Go vegan!
Just kidding, I know better.
.-= Kissie´s last blog ..SOMETIMES WE SEE IN OTHERS WHAT WE DON’T SEE IN OURSELVES =-.
Excellent.
Touching.
Inspiring.
Moving.
A couple of things stood out and I will ask you about them later….for now, I want to honor Ralph’s legacy.
Thank you for sharing, I like this side of you!
(PS, I know it’s there – ALWAYS – even when the rest of ‘em can’t see it.)
.-= Kissie´s last blog ..SOMETIMES WE SEE IN OTHERS WHAT WE DON’T SEE IN OURSELVES =-.
Wow that’s really sad John
I can say that I have been lucky so far in the number of people I’ve lost in my life. I lost both grandparents last year on my step-dads side, and a best friend I had about 12 years ago, who died at 26 from not taking care of his diabetes. :\ So far that’s about it, but that also might be because I don’t know tons of people. And by the way, you should have put a disclaimer at the beginning of this post lol you owe me a bowl lmao 
People do come and go but the ones that we most cherish dearly are more difficult at times to let go because we’ll miss them so much. Very touching post you have here, John.
.-= Mathdelane @Software Critics´s last blog ..Intuitive Social Network Updater Powered By Mind Mapping Technology =-.
Okay now you got me bawling maaaan.
Maybe this isn’t a politically correct thing to say in a comment John but God loves you so much.. I just know and feel it in my heart.
Ralph loved you because he saw what I see in you .. a really kind heart.
Your friend,
Eren
.-= Eren Mckay´s last blog ..Ok I admit it.. I’m a total Barbie fan – Happy Barbie Day! =-.
Awesome post bro, very nice touch.
.-= Extreme John @Blogging CEO´s last blog ..UFC 111 Recap =-.
See, this post makes me feel bad for ever saying you were scary John
I agree with everyone else, very moving and a timely reminder of the importance of enjoying every day with the people we love.
.-= Eleanor Edwards @ UK Charity GiveABrick´s last blog ..1 Minute Motivator: Dance as if no one’s watching, love as if it’s never going to hurt =-.
@Eleanor
You helped me it was a wake up call I needed Thanks
Thanks everyone for the feedback it means a lot to me.
.-= John Sullivan´s last blog ..Do Follow Blogs-Google Buzz Experiment =-.
John, this is just a reminder of how important people are in our lives. Except for my husband and children my whole family has passed away. My mother and father have both passed as has my brothers. But I was graced with the precious time that I did have with these unique people. My families early demise made me so appreciate those that I still have in my life and embrace new friends and those I have not met.
Thanks so much for posting this as I was feeling a little bitter because my kids and grand children have been in and out all weekend making it impossible for me to work. I really needed to be reminded what is important in my life.
Thank-You!
Denise
@Denise: Thanks Denise I see your link wasn’t there so I added it
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There’s nothing more touching than a true story told. Treat today as our last, treasure every second when we’re alive. Life is short, but we can make it worthwhile while we can. Appreciate you sharing the story, John. Thank you.
@wchingya
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