With last night's post, I was just trying to deal with the initial shock of the news of your passing. Today there is a profound sadness, but also gratitude, and that is what I would like to try to express, in some small way, through these words to you (this is where you would insert a joke about haunting me if you don't like what I say, with your usual evil laugh). So here goes...
We had an instant connection when we met all those years ago, and became fast friends. Our friendship felt like home to me, and you were a kindred spirit in many ways. I knew that I had met someone who was as big of a dork as I was, and who would always appreciate that about me, without explanation or expectation. I was always an advocate for you and for your team, and you knew it and appreciated it, and returned the favor to me. Your kindness and care for others was one of your many gifts, and it is incredibly evident in the outpouring of notes from your family and friends.
Those five years flew by, and we had since moved on to other companies, but remained good friends, and it was always great to get together from time to time to catch up, share stories, seek each other's advice or perspective, and have some laughs, which were always plenty. You reveled in the art of the pun, and would always find a way to make a joke, and the cheesier, the better. I would ping you with "G!" and you would reply "Spacy!" and it would be off to the races from there, whether it was just a quick hello or making plans for the next time to have lunch or coffee and catch up on each other's lives. You were always fully present when we met, and I appreciated that about you, especially in this age of constant electronic connection and interruption. Your friends knew you were making time for them, and it didn't go unnoticed.
There are so many memories from your time of living in West Seattle, and those have come flooding back the last couple of days. I know that you loved this area like I do, and I will be reminded of you for a long time to come, from the beach to the restaurants and cafes. And how could I forget the visits when you lived on Alki, and the special reaction my presence seemed to get from Rufus, who was all too pleased to take it out on his stuffed bear, which brought fits of laughter from us.
I admired the father that you were, and the love that you had for Daniel. I was fortunate to witness that first-hand at a precious time in his young life, where the innocence of his sweet personality and demeanor was evident, and you were such a significant part of forming the person that he is and will continue to become. You were his hero, and your family and friends left behind will all surround him with the love and care that he'll need now and in the years to come, always reminding him of what a remarkable man his father was, and how much he loved his son.
Your love for Rachel and for your family, and for all of your friends, was pure, deep, and true, and we were all so very lucky to have known you, and to had you in our lives. I am but one of many, many people who are heartbroken by your passing, and it's really quite impossible for me to express what you meant to me through these words, or any others, but it brings me some comfort that I believe that you knew, and to also witness the outpouring of comments from your friends and loved ones in the last few days.
I took a walk this afternoon, down along the water, which was calm and peaceful. I came across a bench, like many of the ones along the shore, and sat a while, thinking of you, and continuing to try to process all of this. After sitting a while, I looked down to see the tribute that was there for another passed soul, and saw these words:
Cherish yesterday
Dream tomorrow
Live today
And somehow it was perfect. You taught me so many things, all without trying or knowing, and this sentiment was the summary of those lessons. You were kind and patient, caring and thoughtful, and always the diplomat. You truly lived life, and took every opportunity for adventure and fun. You truly saw people, saw their value and their strengths, and focused on that, always there to lend a helping hand, a kind word, or a joke to lighten the mood.
I will visit that bench from time to time, and take time to catch up with you, sharing updates on my life, and honoring your memory in the only way that I know how, which is to always try to be a better person. And to always remember to make it cheesy.
I'll never forget you, G.
Your friend,
Spacy
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