I recall I said that last week was the week from hell.

Actually, it was merely the week from purgatory. Weeks that involve board meetings, staff interventions and funerals are far more like hell.

Last week we heard the news that Donald Tisdale had died quite unexpectedly of a heart attack at age 34.

You read that right - he was 34.

He and Jim were friends in high school and though they weren't best friends by any means, they always managed to stay in touch.

I met Donald years and years ago when he was working at The Scotland House in Williamsburg. Eventually, my friend Dublingirl began working there as well after she left Jamestown. Then Donald began working at Jamestown with Jim and things had come full circle. Recently he was living in Maryland, teaching college there.

He was warm, funny, talented - and a published author. He was able to accomplish so much in his life.

But 34 is just too soon.