A long time
So it's been over a year since I wrote anything here. It's funny to me that I was just getting back from Europe last time I posted, and I've already been back to Germany once since then.
Something happened recently that made me remember how important this space can be. Some of you have heard me talk about a blog I read regularly (one of the only ones) by a teen-aged boy in my old hometown. His blog is a great record of a life full of unbelievable trials beaten by unrelenting optimism. He went through abuse and neglect from people close to him, until he found a safe home with his extended family. He suffered years of poor health, due to a heart condition he never fully explained online. He was often uncomfortable and exhausted, but he was more concerned with the people around him than with his own troubles. He often worried about inconveniencing his loved ones by being sick.
But just as often, he went on about how lucky he knew himself to be, to be surrounded by a loving, supportive family. He detailed how much he appreciated them. He was amazingly open, and believed the best of everyone, even where there seemed to be no reason. He was a keen observer, and was always on the lookout for ways to make things better for the people he loved. And from the stories he told, it was clear how much everyone around him loved him right back.
He passed away recently. I don't know exactly when. That's one of the unfortunate side effects of having never really known him. I only know when he stopped writing: October 20th. I kept out of his life to avoid causing his family any concern about his online safety. Now I wish I had told him how much I admired him. Even just once. How much I wish I was more like him, and how I hope to bring a bit of his positive attitude with me wherever I go from now on. I already miss him so much.
Rest in peace, friend. You did great.
Something happened recently that made me remember how important this space can be. Some of you have heard me talk about a blog I read regularly (one of the only ones) by a teen-aged boy in my old hometown. His blog is a great record of a life full of unbelievable trials beaten by unrelenting optimism. He went through abuse and neglect from people close to him, until he found a safe home with his extended family. He suffered years of poor health, due to a heart condition he never fully explained online. He was often uncomfortable and exhausted, but he was more concerned with the people around him than with his own troubles. He often worried about inconveniencing his loved ones by being sick.
But just as often, he went on about how lucky he knew himself to be, to be surrounded by a loving, supportive family. He detailed how much he appreciated them. He was amazingly open, and believed the best of everyone, even where there seemed to be no reason. He was a keen observer, and was always on the lookout for ways to make things better for the people he loved. And from the stories he told, it was clear how much everyone around him loved him right back.
He passed away recently. I don't know exactly when. That's one of the unfortunate side effects of having never really known him. I only know when he stopped writing: October 20th. I kept out of his life to avoid causing his family any concern about his online safety. Now I wish I had told him how much I admired him. Even just once. How much I wish I was more like him, and how I hope to bring a bit of his positive attitude with me wherever I go from now on. I already miss him so much.
Rest in peace, friend. You did great.