Personal letter to a dear, dear friend

At this moment, I don't know what is happening with one of my best friends, Joseph C., although I understand that his chances of escaping what happened to him are slim, I pray that all what was diagnosed is wrong, that he will pull out unharmed.

We need to pause and think about our close friends, reflect about life.

My hometown, Montreal, will never be the same if something happens to you, you are an essential part of "my" Montreal and "my" Montreal has to have Joe, it is impossibly hard to imagine Joe's family and extended family's reactions and feeling during these times, my prayers and thoughts are with each and everyone one of them, especially his dear wife, daughter and son.

Joe dedicates most of his time to others, giving his time to support charities, to support friends and family members in anything and everything, so very selflessly. He never says no to any request to support a charitable enterprise and always activates his network to make it a success.

He and I had this conversation on more than one occasion, about how much time to dedicate to others versus to oneself, he was very selfless and always brushed a side very nicely my suggestions that he should take more care of himself. He would nod his head to make me happy, but I knew it was only that and I respected him for it.

Rarely have I met a person that is so altruistic, whenever we met, he would always inquire about common friends, if they needed anything, and how can we (he) help. But not only, I recall a few years ago, when I was living in Montreal, he organised a fundraiser in one of his restaurants to fund-raise for the 2010 Haiti earthquake, it was a fantastic event that resulted in a lot of funds raised and many influential people got to meet and speak about the catastrophe, to let people know about it, something Joe is so good at, networking and gathering the right people when needed in one place, one of the many talents he has.

At 52, a beautiful and mature age, I don't want to think about anything happening to you, God forbids, life will not be the same, you are irreplaceable for me, but more importantly for your family that so much loves you. You are a positive beacon to all of us, and continued to be so during the difficult Covid times. Our last physical encounter was in Geneva, to which your brought your sunshine and glow, I hope that you will come back and visit. I am blessed to have you as a true friend.

I pray for your swift recovery. Life is too short, enjoy and cherish your close friends, family and your every moment, never take any of them for granted.

#friends #friendship #altruism #gratefulness