Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.
Ernest Hemingway
Josh and I met as a freshman at Bloomington North. We didn’t start off as best buds. In fact, quite the opposite. As to how and when the shift took place between us, I’m not quite sure, but we grew to be the closest of friends, brothers. Where there was one of us, the other was sure to be close by. We managed to get away with a lot of stuff in our years together, and as life gradually pulled us in different directions, I knew that there was always a spot for me at Josh’s table. No matter how much time had passed in communication between us, I could always count on him greeting me with the biggest, toothiest grin possible, which if you knew Josh, you undoubtedly experienced yourselves.
Josh passed away a week ago, today. He was not only one of my closest friends, but an incredible human being. A truly selfless individual and one of the few on this Earth who led a life that wasn’t motivated by personal gain, but in service to others. When Josh’s mom suffered a debilitating car accident, he cared for her in a way few, myself included, have the capacity to. Professionally, Josh worked with those who are often overlooked by the rest of us, doing his best to ensure that they were given a shot at a life filled with dignity and respect.
If there’s anything to be taken away from this sudden and devastating loss, it’s for us to step up and fill the void in his absence wherever possible. Be kind to others as he was. Strive to greet those around you with joy and treat them with patience and not with judgement or contempt. For Josh knew we are all in this together, doing our best to figure it out along the way.
I miss you already buddy, may you rest in peace.