As of this morning, I’ve lost three significant men in my life. These guys were absolutely instrumental in helping to create “the kinder, softer, gentler Jansy.”

Or at least they tried.

Wayne and George passed the same week in late October. Alex found out mid-December he had the worst kind of thyroid cancer. Even with chemo and radiation, they gave him “less than a year.” He got three months.

Technically, Alex was two years into his “Bonus Round.” He had a heart attack in April, 2010, and “died twice” on his dining room floor. Not ready to leave yet, he had a stent inserted and went back to business as usual. I am grateful for that “extra” time.

When I think of Alex today, I am reminded of the last lines of the 1971 movie “Brian’s Song.” In a fitting tribute, I’ll quote them here: “(Alex) left a great many loving friends who miss and think of him often. But when they think of him, it’s not how he died that they remember - but how he lived. How he did live!”

Rest in peace, my beloved friend. I am a much better person for having known you. Thanks for everything.