I learned yesterday that my senior friend, Michael passed away. I was sad to hear the news and even more sad to hear that he wasn’t given any service or celebration of life. I wanted to take a moment to remember him.  During some of our commute rides, Costco trips, lunches, long phone calls, he would share with me about his life. He was of Greek heritage, he had a love for Mediterranean cuisine (food in general). He was always sharing his favorite spots around Queens that he loved. Before living in NYC he grew up in Ohio with his two sisters. He was very close with his mother up until she passed. He later went on to dedicate time in the Air Force and not long after he Graduated from Miami Dade Community College. He began his Pan Am career in the early 70’s. He flew out of New York and London as a purser. After 19 years with Pan Am, he continued his flying career with United Airlines for 15 years until retirement. He always said that his Pan Am days were some of the fondest memories. 

 

If there is something I learned from my friend— it’s that friendships, no matter the age gap help broaden your perspective, which in turn allows you to have more compassion and empathy. 

 

He would always tell me how much the little gestures of me checking in on him meant to him, but If I could tell him something today, it meant just as much to me because he was great company. 

 

 

Rest In Peace Michael.