Live and Die Awake

Life Can Change in Four Seconds.

Certain to Uncertain...

August 16, 2026

Sometimes that is all it takes for everything we thought was certain to suddenly become uncertain.

This week, my brother lost his dear friend, David Hochberg, unexpectedly in a boating accident. David always had a smile and a genuine greeting with warm love. I will remember him always with great affection and admiration. My heart breaks for his family, dear friends, patients and all the lives he touched each day. I feel deeply for my brother, Mark, who is experiencing a pain that is shattering to his soul.

I am reminded, once again, of how quickly death brings us face-to-face with the questions that are so easy to push aside while we are busy living.

Who am I?

Why am I here?

What is the meaning of this life?

And perhaps most importantly, Am I actually living it?

The day after David died, I went for a walk and was standing at the edge of the water when I picked up my phone and recorded what was moving through me. I didn’t know then that I would share it with you. It is not prepared or polished. It is simply my truth in that moment.

I am sharing it with you exactly as it is. Please listen to Siesta Breakers

The rest of this letter is on Substack

Living Awake is free. Finish the letter there, and get the next one by email.

Keep reading free on SubstackSubscribe free

All letters