When someone you love passes away all you have left is memories. Memories that seem painful to think of because you know you can't make more. Mac Manu is my sisters kids fathers nephew. We pretty much grew up with Mac. When he entered high school I was surprised at how grown he had become. I took him under my wing in a sense and me being a senior and him a freshman he really liked the idea of hanging out with me. lol He would ask me every break and lunch for something. Whether it be a cookie or a full on lunch. I was always a sucker for him cause besides my sister and cousin he was the only guy I could call family. I always refered to him as my son. I'm still in shock that he's gone! I hate it!
One of the great memories I have is wrestling with him. As small as he was he always insisted on trying to wrestle with me. It seemed to amuse him that he can slam me on the floor and I could take it. Of course I was a tom boy back in the days so it wasn't uncommon to see me wrestling, playing football etc. When I was trying to impress my boyfriend (who is now my husband) back in the days, he thought it would be funny to tackle me. We were all on the beach and I was seriously trying to look cute in my lil' ie lava lava and he tackles me and I face planted the sand. Yeah OUCH! It was so embarrassing and my husband looked at me confused like am I supposed to beat this guy up or help him up? He just tackled my girlfriend! hahahahaha When I bursted out in laughter he knew that we were playing around. I must have got up and gave him the stink eye and he walked away like it never happened. I always laugh about that memory because only Mac could do that to me and would do that!
He was spontaneous. He had so much energy and always a pleasure to be around. He had an infectious smile and the biggest heart. Everyone is hurting because he will be missed. How he passed away was by him trying to live a honest living. He wasn't shot he was ran over. It really blows! He was a tow truck driver so being in that kind of business to help others was so him. When he went to assist someone with a flat tire a drunk driver swerved and hit Mac head on. He was dead immediately. Lord took him but made sure he went quick and didn't suffer. It's so sad and I hate talking about it now. I can't imagine how his wife, his babies, his parents and siblings are all feeling. But I pray they be strong.
I have always made it a must to say "I love you" to my husband and children. I realize how powerful and important those words are. Life is definitely unpredictable and too short. I don't know where I would be had this tragedy happen to me. I pray for all those that mourn. If there's anything I take from this is "DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!" I am guilty of doing this once or twice before, back when I was young and stupid. I think to myself I only had a few beers and I should be okay. I will never make excuses for myself again because no life is worth my ignorance. I'll see you in heaven Mac. Save me a spot! I love you!
Day he left us was 12/9/12. Sing with the angels Mac. “Remembering is easy. It's forgetting that's hard.”
