| Jonathan | live life to the fullest everyday is a challenge. one day at a time. things do get better. |
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A friend of mine named Jonathan passed away sometime between his excited post at 9:33am yesterday about the upcoming football game and today when word broke across the great span of Facebook that he was gone. Learning of Jonathan's passing, and sharing sorrows with so many old high school friends would seem far more inappropriate were it not for this same medium bringing Jonathan's positivity to us on a near daily basis.
Jonathan was kind, humble and full of love and light. I do not say these words offhandedly or because I lack for words when speaking of someone who has passed away. This man was truly a gentle soul. I remember him befriending everyone, reaching out to everyone and smiling at everyone - during a time (high school) and at a school that was, in all fairness, particularly unkind to many. Jonathan was one of the few who rose above and simply didn't see the painful social boundaries that caused me and so many others so much pain and anxiety. Jonathan was always unapologetically himself. Always.
When Jonathan and I reconnected on Facebook, he became the breath of fresh air in my news feed. Amidst the occasional vulgarity of my high school students, the self-aggrandizing photos and status updates and political declarations, Jonathan's posts were short, simple and hopeful. He and his family faced much - much more than most of us will ever face ( I honor and respect their privacy by not being direct here) but he never lost hope; he never ceased to be upbeat and full of love.
For Jonathan to pass in his mid-thirties is shocking to those of us in his generation. For Jonathan to leave behind a loving partner and sweet son is unhearable to think about. But for Jonathan to be missing as the constant reminder that even a sunny day is something to post about is a moment for us all to stop and see what truly matters in life.
My friend Jonathan...
Loved his son more than words
Supported his loved ones through the greatest challenges people ever face
Spoke simply of simple things that bought him joy
Remained positive through the darkest of dark days
Appreciated all that life gave him no matter how small the deed or seemingly insignificant the moment
... and always reminded me to appreciate what I have and be present in every single moment.
Jonathan, you were and are an angel among men. You touched my heart and you linger in my soul as a guide and mentor for life. May we always, always remember to honor your spirit through the kind and simple ways we bring joy into another's life whether it is ever noticed or not.
Rest among the angels, my friend. We are all celebrating you on Facebook, just as you graced us there. And as Rob said in his post on your page, "You will be missed more than your humble and giving soul could have ever imagined."
