You Were Here...

How do you say "goodbye" to someone that has already gone away?

This is the first thing that popped into my head today when I heard the terrible news.

She had been battling Cancer for nearly a decade. Pushing back the deadly disease with life. She had friends that cherished her, family that relished her and children that revered her. She was beautiful on the outside and soft and kind on the inside. She was strong and smart and all kinds of funny. She was never afraid to mix it up. At least this is what I remember about her.

I haven't seen her in years. Both of us busy with family and business. The usual shit. But every once in awhile there would be an email offering a kind word about my family being beautiful or that my blog made her laugh. That always made me smile.

I don't think we, as human beings, realize how much we contribute to each others lives. The little thoughts and prayers we send out into the universe, the fleeting glances, the smiles, the Facebook "likes". They all mean something.

We often don't notice the significance of a hug or a phone call when it happens but every little thing, good and bad, sticks to our DNA like Velcro darts flung across the room.

All of these things, these tiny little offerings of unnoticeable generosity, sit on us like dust sits on a forgotten bookshelf.

I sent her an email the other day. I only wanted her to know that she was being thought of. It sounds weird to say that to someone but it really is one of the most honest truths that can be communicated to another human being.

"I'm thinking of you."

You are a part of me. You are a part of every single person that had the pleasure of meeting you. You are in our DNA. The thoughts and memories of you can't be stopped.

How do you say "goodbye" to someone that is already gone?

You remember them.

And smile at the person next to you on the train or the bus or at the supermarket or wherever you are. A person's legacy can simply be the smile they gave to you, passed on to another.

You are already missed friend... Even in God's arms you are still here with all of us.

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 15, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    This was absolutely beautiful. One of the best things you've ever written. I hope writing it helped ease your pain a tiny bit. So sorry about your friend, and for the loss in your life.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AzzSeptember 15, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    We are thinking of you, take care.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 15, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    Jason, I am so so sorry! xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. Momo FaliSeptember 15, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    Well said, friend. Well said.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Chris KiserSeptember 16, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Great stuff, J. We carry our lost loved ones with us every day and share them with others through our smiles and generosity. I also like to reach out to friends and family when they pop into my mind - the ease of communication in this digital world makes it so easy.

    We must share our love and put that positivity into the world every chance we get. We don't have to say goodbye when we know our love has been felt and will live on forever in our words and acts.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Melanie RingelSeptember 16, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    Beautifully put. She will be missed, but remembered with a smile.

    ReplyDelete
  7. JenniferSeptember 17, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    Your posts make me smile, always. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Black Hockey JesusSeptember 17, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    Very sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  9. SurprisedMomSeptember 17, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    This is a heartfelt post. I'm thinking of you.

    ReplyDelete
  10. TracySeptember 18, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    I have always believed that when you love someone and they pass, honor them by remembering them. Speak of them often and smile. Pass on how they made you feel to another, then they are never really gone.
    Thank you for a beautiful post.

    ReplyDelete
  11. MomSeptember 18, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    Dearest Jason,

    I'm so very sorry about the loss of your friend.
    It is sad when a young life is taken by the almighty sooner than we expected.
    Evidently she made an impression on you to be worthy of a beautiful tribute such as the one you wrote through your blog and to her email.
    Perhaps her passing reinforces, for you, what you already know.
    I do know that you are a very sweet and compassionate man.
    I love you very much and am very proud that you are my son.

    Always, Mom

    ReplyDelete
  12. My Bottle's Up!September 22, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    i love your heart.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sarah FaderSeptember 23, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    So sweet. Beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  14. buy mobile phonesSeptember 27, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    wow its so sweet it reminds me of the sweetest persons from whom ever i have met in my whole life

    ReplyDelete
  15. jdemottOctober 4, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    This is the kind of post that makes me glad I read your blog. Full of honesty, integrity, and truth about what's important in life. Thanks for reminding us.

    ReplyDelete
  16. temizlik ürünleriDecember 22, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like and amazing project. prefabrik

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousSeptember 12, 2012 at 9:56 AM

    Rize Haber

    http://www.cayhaber.com

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  18. AnonymousSeptember 15, 2012 at 5:23 AM

    Rizespor Tavşanlı Maçını Canlı İzle

    http://www.cayhaber.com/rizespor-tavsanli-maci-canli-izle

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