There are days when the world dims and air feels like it is drawn out of the room. You hear words and their effect on you is instantaneous. At once you are in grief, disbelief and overwhelmed by sadness. That is how I felt today when I learned my friend Nick passed away. We met through pinball but bonded about life. He came to my home over 10 years ago for a repair. And over the years that followed we became friends. He wasn’t just a source for a new game or help with a machine. He was someone who my wife and I would chat with about pop culture and life. My wife would bake him treats whenever he came to the house to show we appreciated not only his skill but his friendship. He was always available and made time for us. There are so many great experiences we had with him that we can’t choose one. I will say this. He was a unique man. Quirky at times, fun, sarcastic and best of all caring. We had a friendship that started through pinball but then moved like all great friendships do onto what’s important……life. Talking about the people who were important to us, the experiences that molded us, the things beyond the hobby that make life so amazing. Don’t take it for granted. Think of your friends and loved ones and try to remember that each day is a gift. I am grateful for the time we shared. Rest In Peace Nick. You will be missed.