Writing these blogs are by no means an easy task to complete. They are deep written reflections of the emotions which is covered through the knowledge I have gained from life experiences and people I have come in contact with. Life journey without a doubt teaches us valuable lessons and although some are filled with a harsh/painful format in most cases the end always justifies the means which can open our minds to a concept we were once blinded by.Friday Morning found myself at a very familiar and dark moment in my life to be awaken with the sad news that my friend Frank Egde had passed away after a long hard fought battle with cancer. With scars still fresh from a friend's death earlier this year this death without question made my heart drop when I heard the news finding myself in a deja vu position I wished would never happen so soon.
Although I knew Frank for a short period of time (4 months to be exact) through my conversations with him, following his story, and my process of creating his Grapplethon event I am caught in a limbo of emotions one filled with pain/bitterness and another of humbleness/being well-healed.
In the pain sector I am in a space of being sad that once again I lost a friend I cared a great deal about. Finding myself in my own frustrating examination period in which the main question that arise is Why ?
- why did Frank have to go through this - Why must a wife carry that heavy burden of losing her other half and why must two sons carry on life without their dad. It's scenarios like these that make the game of life seem unfair to cope and deal with which unfortunately leaves a bigger set of unanswered questions and anger toward our creator at times. (a small bit of pain which I will carry with me day by day)
On the other side of the coin through knowing Frank the humbleness/being well-healed keeps me moving forward and being down in the dumps. It truly amazing and was a honor to learn so much from this man's life. The power he had to reunite old friends, brining strangers together form new alliances, and also revealing our own compassion for our fellow man.
At this time I would like to share a personal letter I wrote frank along with the donation.. It pretty much reveals the impact he made not only on myself but also the grappling community here in southern California
-------------------------------------------
Dear Frank
Edge
Before I go
deep into this letter I want to start off by saying YOU ARE THE MAN! It’s people like you who inspire me every day to
never give up on things that get me down in life and judging from the turnout
of Grapplethon 2 a lot of people must have felt the same way.
The event
was a great turnout which featured over 60
people in attendance which was far bigger than Grapplethon 1 which had 27
people. I’m not sure if you are into
grappling scene news but due to the major world champions/ well established
schools here in southern California there are a lot of politics and a little
ego when it comes to training at other academies other than your home gym.
However this
event showed a glimpse of what can happen when all that is put aside. Everyone
had a great time showcasing great unity /brotherhood while also showing our
support for you at the same time.
In other
words I know you don’t like taking credit for a lot of stuff but it was YOU that brought the California
community together in a major way.
Anyway not
to be too long with you here enclosed is the money we made from the donation
received at the event. It’s not much but hopefully it helps. You also should be
receiving another mail from Jason Lee.
I cant
express enough what a true honor it was knowing and learning from you Frank and
although we haven’t meet yet just know
you have a lot of great friends on the west coast that is in your corner.
KEEP FIGHTING FRANK !!!!!!
-monta
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I look at this letter I come to realize that this mans life was with great purpose which can teach us all about the true meaning of selflessness, kindness, valuing those close to us and most being a certified bad ass in tough times (tackling pain through adversity).
this blog is a mixed feelings of emotions so I want to end this by giving my prayers for Wendy and the children and most importantly once again thanking Frank for letting me be apart of his life.
luv u brother
-monta
