I didn't know him well, but I will remember
This morning, I found out that D, a friendly acquaintance from college, had drowned over the weekend. I didn't know D very well, but we had many mutual friends and socialized occasionally with each other. Unfortunately, I don't have many memories of him, but my impression of him is very vivid and stayed with me all these years.
D was a very warm, friendly, kind person who had a radiant, positive energy. For instance, he cheer up someone having a bad day by merely smiling at them and saying hello. He was very social and always seemed to be the natural center of attention. D had a passion for social justice and helping people. He was dedicated activist who relentlously recruited people to get involved with his many causes. After university, he was a wizard at nonprofit/politically fundraising and constantly inviting me( or everyone else on his mailing list) to these events. Best of all, D seemed very real, authentic person who was very comfortable with himself. I think I admired that about him most of all. He was only 30.
I know there must be some reason why D, a bright, intelligent, caring person with a promising future, would leave this world so soon. Things like this bring up the age old question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Why should someone evil, like a serial killer, live a long life, while someone good like D dies young? I think such natural questions would drive one mad. Therefore, I hold onto my faith and try to believe God has a reason for this tragedy. Maybe this type of thinking is merely wishful, but it keeps me going.
On a personal level, I think I am also taking this news hare because D was the first person in my peer group to pass away. Suddenly, I am all to aware that one's lifetime is finite. Someday, we will lose all are loved ones as well as face our own deaths. Despite my belief the soul is immortal and that we go on after death, I still find this fact both frightening and overwhelming.
Beyond comforting the mourning loved ones of the deceased, there is not much else to do in times like this except to appreciate everything you have and both love and appreciate the people in your life. Therefore, tonight I will going over my brother's and spend time with my nephew. Maybe we can play ball in the backyard or he can show me his new turtles. I will enjoy these simple pleasures and his innocence. I will be in the moment and feel truly alive.