I posted the story below to my Facebook wall and then realized that I should post it here. Because while this site started as a tribute, of sorts, to my mom and all the funny things she said and did, it’s become more than that.
It’s my place to share my most intimate thoughts about life and death.
Here’s to you, Todd! May you rest in peace, brother.
I’m in disbelief. Shock. While he wasn’t my friend, Todd Ganz was truly one of the nicest guys I knew.
I just learned that he died of cancer. He had fought it for years. I didn’t even know he had cancer.
He never let on about it. Todd ALWAYS was in a good mood when I saw him at his shop.
Now, I said he wasn’t my friend. I don’t mean that to sound wrong. If we’d have hung out anywhere but his shop while he was working on my or my wife’s car, then I’d say we were friends.
I really liked Todd. He was the classic “go getter.” I know he worked hard. I saw it when I was there.
I first met Todd when I needed to get one of our cars smog checked. He had a coupon online and I used it. I think that was probably around 2008 or so.
We struck up a conversation. We got along great from the get-go. He had probably a dozen, maybe two dozen, certificates on the wall. He learned everything he needed to learn in order to a) work on people’s cars and b) MARKET his ability to do good work for his customers.
I met Todd’s wife a few years back. They had 4 kids.
That was kind of the bond we had, besides the shop – we’d always “talk shop” about our kids.
- How challenging they are
- How expensive they are
- How (most importantly) they made us happy, even with all the difficulties
I’ve been brought to tears today. That doesn’t happen often.
I’m really sad. Sad for Todd. Sad for his wife. But most of all, for his children.
They won’t have a dad to help them. Nurture them. Scold them when they need it. Pick them up when they fall. Hug and kiss them. Let them know daddy will always be there.
Because he won’t. I won’t.
I think it really hits home because my wife and I have 4 kids and I’ve had a couple brushes with close calls.
I don’t want to leave my family alone.
Rest in peace, Todd. Your battle has ended. I’m glad I knew you.