As a follow-up to my earlier entry, I’m sorry to share with you that Ton Hoek, General Secretary of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), passed away on July 28 at his home in Huizen, the Netherlands. My APhA predecessor John Gans and I had visited him the week before. The FIP website has Ton’s obituary.

When I heard the news, I was so grateful that we had a chance to talk about the inevitable and his preparation. He was ready and confident of a better life after this one. And I was motivated even more to finish those “unwritten letters” and other communications to important people in my life with whom I may have lost track. That experience made my family reunion on Saturday even more meaningful.

I hope you’re having a great summer, and that you’re taking a little time to check in with friends and loved ones.