I was sitting in a condo on the 46th floor in downtown Chicago on a Saturday morning in October of 08 waiting on Pretty Russ to call me and let me know he was at Union Station ready for me to pick him up. This was a mini vacation for us, we had been working hard. In addition to our regular 9 to 5 jobs we had new music coming out, we had just finished a movie script we wrote, and a number of other projects we were working on. Things were looking good for both of us. I last spoke with him at 4:26am when he asked if he could park his car near the train station back in Saint Louis. He then proceeds to tell me to tell his girlfriend (Blay) that he had missed the train (a running joke between the 4 of us). The last thing he said to me was "I will see you when I touch down." I got a phone call at 9:24am (strange how you can remember times) asking me had I heard what happen! Of course I was confused because for all I knew Russ was on that train. I was then informed that he was dead! How could this be? When we spoke last he was walking into the train station....so what could have happened between the car and the train station? My only other thought was train crash. The TV was on so I didn’t see breaking news...then I was told it was a heart attack! In shock I mean I had just spoken with him! I was numb......but the hard part was informing Blay that he wasn’t coming. I got dressed and went to break the news. She was already up and told me not to worry about picking him up she wanted to do it! I guess the look on my face told her something was wrong....she asked....did he miss the train? I shook my head yes, but the tears in my eyes spoke a different story. I had to tell her Russ was dead! The very man she cared about so deeply had died before she could see him! There had been a disagreement between them and they hadn’t seen one another for 3 months. I hurt for her as well as dealing with my own pain! We grew closer over time after that and I got to know her and understood why Russ cared so much for her. She had a beautiful spirit, she was funny, supportive and caring. She was someone who I considered a
true friend. She always kept it real with me no matter what and I loved her for that.
So I am sitting here writing this with a heavy heart because a few days ago I learned she had passed away! I knew she was not well but never in a million years did I think it would come to this. We all get sick, it comes with age but often we get to a point in our lives that we feel indestructible and feel that death only happens to old people and those that are living a lifestyle that involves great risk. The fact of the matter is death is an everyday part of life. There are 2 things that never come at an appointed time....BIRTH AND DEATH!
Doctor visits and check ups should be as routine for us as changing the batteries in the smoke detectors, or the getting prepared for the holidays. If it helps schedule appointments for doctor, dentist and eye exams around significant dates, such as birthdays and holidays, start of school super bowl. Anything that happens annually, this way you won’t forget to see about yourself.
I have so many memories of both Blay and Russ. From the first moment we all met. The 4th of July weekend in Saint Louis when we were shooting "sling shots" in the backyard. The countless phone conversations that Blay and I had.... (Yes they were supposed to be secret though I am sure she told somebody LOL). I miss them both and it wasn’t a day that went pass that I didn’t think about Russ which eventually turn into a thought about Blay......So I hold my head high and smile, I thank the Almighty for the opportunity he gave me to know you both! Eventually our bodies died and return back to were they came, but our memories are forever as long as someone speaks your name! I WILL ALWAYS
"KEEP IT THORO" SO LONG THORO CHICK!.....Pretty Russ I will see you when I touch down!
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