Jump into Life – 

I heard news this morning about a friend of mine that jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge. I met him almost thirty years ago when we were both just kids. He was tall and athletic and beautiful – and he had a beautiful boy friend too. He appeared to have everything and I was very envious of him.

Through the years I would run into him and he would share his difficulties with me. He was struggling with addiction and most of the time, the addiction was winning.

The last time I saw him, a couple of years ago in the East Village, it was clear that his drug use was taking its toll on him – yet, he was still trying to get clean. Then this past summer he chose to take his life, jumping off the GWB. I guess that suicide was the only way out for him.

Life and death are a mystery. My mother always says that death is an inconvenience to those left behind. But, I wonder if we do really find relief when we take our last breath – and if we do have past lives and future lives, am I doing everything today that will make my future lives rewarding? Or will I be chasing karmic debt like a hamster in a habitrail for eternity?

I’ve often thought about jumping myself. Fortunately, the urge passes quickly and I return to the land of the living. Today I will choose to jump into life rather than jump out of it. That’s the best way I can honor the life of my friend Tim.