(no subject)
The memorial for Seraphin was tonight. In my big, yellow, tacky America Reads t-shirt and white gloves, I took the role of an usher, but ended up crying through the whole thing anyway.
He was someone I really would have wanted to know more. His kindness was incredible, his optimism was contagious. He was just so beautiful and full of life and energy, I cannot believe he is gone. So many people spoke, and I still feel like I have things to say. Everything I do, from now on, especially in working with children and the arts, is going to be driven by his memory. The people from RUSH spoke about his commitment to their Saturday program, and then I thought, "Wait, Seraphin worked for America Reads on Saturdays too." I will never go to America Reads or Saturday Art School grudgingly, and I absolutely will go to both, on Saturday. What else could I possibly do, knowing that.
There were a few scenes in the video montage tonight that made me gasp and cry, and so many that made me laugh and smile. There was a scene of both of our faces, up close, bugging our eyes at the camera sarcastically. Of course, I cried, because it was a documentation of the small amount of time I spent with him. But then I noticed the silly plastic bowler hat I was wearing, and of course, his smile, and I couldn't help but think that as much as it hurt, I really can feel grateful and blessed by his smile alone.
I've never been religious, and probably will never be, but Seraphin, named after an angel, is truly my angel, and will continue to be so. He stands, in my mind, for kindness, sincerity, committment, optimism through adversity, courage, and hope. With a child's face and many wings, I will always remember his spirit.
I love you, all.
He was someone I really would have wanted to know more. His kindness was incredible, his optimism was contagious. He was just so beautiful and full of life and energy, I cannot believe he is gone. So many people spoke, and I still feel like I have things to say. Everything I do, from now on, especially in working with children and the arts, is going to be driven by his memory. The people from RUSH spoke about his commitment to their Saturday program, and then I thought, "Wait, Seraphin worked for America Reads on Saturdays too." I will never go to America Reads or Saturday Art School grudgingly, and I absolutely will go to both, on Saturday. What else could I possibly do, knowing that.
There were a few scenes in the video montage tonight that made me gasp and cry, and so many that made me laugh and smile. There was a scene of both of our faces, up close, bugging our eyes at the camera sarcastically. Of course, I cried, because it was a documentation of the small amount of time I spent with him. But then I noticed the silly plastic bowler hat I was wearing, and of course, his smile, and I couldn't help but think that as much as it hurt, I really can feel grateful and blessed by his smile alone.
I've never been religious, and probably will never be, but Seraphin, named after an angel, is truly my angel, and will continue to be so. He stands, in my mind, for kindness, sincerity, committment, optimism through adversity, courage, and hope. With a child's face and many wings, I will always remember his spirit.
I love you, all.