All Things Must Pass, Including People You Love

by | Jan 24, 2023 | Changes | 16 comments

MY BEST FRIEND and ex-nomad, Lou Brochetti, had been struggling with cancer, heart problems, stomach issues and arthritis for two years. I spent the past ten months with him, helping out in any way necessary. His body was falling apart and he could no longer do any of the things that brought him joy and gave meaning to his life. His condition would only get worse.

So he got all his affairs in order and, on Thursday, among friends, he availed himself of New Mexico’s End-of-Life Options Act. Now he’s free of pain, depression, and anger.

And I’m in mourning. A good, honorable man, a true brother, is gone. I miss him so much.

As you can guess, I’m in no mood right now to write for this website. So I’m taking some time away — a couple of weeks or so. There are a handful of things to deal with here, then I’ll retreat to the healing arms of nature to resume something resembling my former nomadic life — only with a huge hole in it.

See you down the road.

16 Comments

  1. Kim Smith
    Kim Smith on January 27, 2023 at 3:22 am

    Thinking about you during this incredibly tough time. It’s hard for me to understand or like death but yes we do all go sometime. Healing thoughts sent your way.

  2. Judy S
    Judy S on January 27, 2023 at 4:59 am

    Al, I’m sending you tons of love. Be well.

  3. 2Z Bundok
    2Z Bundok on January 27, 2023 at 5:33 am

    Again, examples (from our coach) of how to care for our spirit: no regrets, alone time to feel and optimism of return…here and to Mother Nature’s changing landscapes. Be well, indeed!

  4. Anton Jones
    Anton Jones on January 27, 2023 at 5:44 am

    I ache for you.

    • Lucy
      Lucy on January 28, 2023 at 12:09 pm

      Al, sorry for your loss ?. RIP Lou ! ?

  5. Anton Jones
    Anton Jones on January 27, 2023 at 5:46 am

    Hi Al. I ache for you. I look forward to hearing from you when you are able.

  6. Jan
    Jan on January 27, 2023 at 6:04 am

    So sorry for your loss and a personal withdrawal is appropriate. We, as fellow nomads, understand. Bless you for all you did for your friend. .

  7. Kay
    Kay on January 27, 2023 at 6:40 am

    Sorry for your loss.

  8. Karen Willis
    Karen Willis on January 27, 2023 at 6:53 am

    Very sorry.

  9. June
    June on January 27, 2023 at 8:03 am

    So sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort.

  10. Beverly
    Beverly on January 27, 2023 at 9:03 am

    We are all praying for you and for your loss. His spirit is with all who knew him.

  12. K J Hingel
    K J Hingel on January 27, 2023 at 1:26 pm

    Such a wonderful man. Such a profound and poignant loss.
    My heart goes out to you.

    KJH in the PNW

  13. Linda Sand
    Linda Sand on January 27, 2023 at 3:03 pm

    Take all the time you need for healing. We’ll be here when you are ready again.

  14. Brad
    Brad on January 29, 2023 at 12:57 pm

    Al, I am sorry for your painful loss of a very close and dear friend.
    I must be honest here and admit thinking that in my later years there may be great value in residing in a state with a freedoms such as this…