The Yeti.  This fun little nickname given to him by a bandmate when he used to play in a metal band.  He was a large, furry guy with a big heart.

When people die, many people don’t know what to say to comfort you, and that’s okay.  After the months pass, people don’t want to bring “it” up, for fear of opening that emotional wound all over again.  With each passing day, his spirit seems to float further and further away without mention of his name.

Wanting to keep him close and to keep his spirit alive, I say his name, share old stories and post many pictures of him.  He had a personality worth remembering.  Not only was he kind, caring, nurturing and compassionate, he was fair, and funny!!  Quick witted and lighthearted, he brought me to tears with laughter on countless occasions.  We shared puns which made his kids roll their eyes and groan at our silliness.  The inside jokes made our eyes sparkle and brought smiles that only we understood.  This is a life worth remembering!

When the Yeti walked into a room, it was like Norm from the old show “Cheers” had just shown up in the bar!  It seemed everyone knew him.  Friends and acquaintances made their way over for a handshake or one of his famous hugs and easy conversation.  Babies and little kids were drawn to him, like the friendly giant!  When he spoke to you, he looked you right in the eyes, making you feel like you were the only person in the room.  To the Yeti, YOU mattered.

I know when someone with such magnetism dies, it’s hard to believe and harder to talk about.  It’s common to quietly remember friends and loved ones.  It is my hope that his community will share stories about him. Fortunately, some of his friends have reached out to me, recounting tales of the old days.

There is value in those conversations.  I learned things about the Yeti that I had never known, besides, he wasn’t one to “pump up his own tires”, Those are his words.

I  connected with some of  the Yeti’s old friends, and,  while sharing stories, we smiled and laughed at his antics.  We marveled at his skill and dedication to his craft.  I expressed my sincere gratitude to those who reached out and were willing to share with me their personal friendships with the Yeti.

If we remember him in silence, we are closed off to the stories that keep his memory alive.   We are shutting the door on the community who mourns this  special man.  Together, let us remember the Yeti and all the special gifts he brought to the world!

Say his name and talk to me about the Yeti.  It doesn’t remind me that he died, it honors the fact that he lived!  This life lived is worth remembering, it’s worth celebrating!

Say his name…

Illustration courtesy of Shaman Crowe