My wife and I went to a viewing tonight for the son of one of my colleagues.
I didn’t know the young man but based on his obituary and the line of people at the viewing, he was loved by many and had a significant impact on many in his way too short 28 years.
The viewing was scheduled to be from 6:00-8:00 pm. We got there at 7:30 and didn’t offer our condolences to the family until 11:00.
Here is an excerpt from his obituary that gives you some sense of this amazing young man.
“… worked as a critical care nurse. Those that worked with him will remember him as a compassionate caregiver, a person dedicated to others’ health and well-being.
He served as a president of a local University’s chapter of SRPHUP (Student Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia) for three years, providing meals and shelter to those experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia, a passion that followed him to do volunteer work with PROJECT HOME after graduation.
He had eclectic interests, a wide palate, and a penchant for travel, making trips to Europe, Canada, and several national parks in recent years with his best friends, of which he had countless. He loved to run, enjoyed the breadth of Philly’s restaurant scene, and supported Philly’s sports teams through thick and thin (and it would often get very thin.) His family and friends experienced a profound empathy when in his presence through his ability to listen to others’ and show up with support and love in times of great need. He had an uncanny ability to connect, to make others feel special, safe, and understood. His love was pure, his heart gravitational, pulling those around him into his orbit and inspiring them to live lives of vulnerability, justice, and kindness. His life serves as a testament not just how much he loved, but rather how much he was loved by others.”
A beautiful tribute to the young man, and I offer my thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time.
That is a very touching tribute and my heart goes out to his family too. 28 is too young! So young, but it seems that he lived a full life in his 28 years and touched many! ❤
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he did a lifetime of good in his 28 years…
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this is so incredibly sad and what a beautiful tribute
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that was one of the nicest obits I’ve read. it was obvious he was loved by many…
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I agree
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28 is so young, how sad. Sounds like he was an amazing young man and did wonderful things for so many people. Very nice tribute.
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he accomplished a lot in 28 years…
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To be that well-respected at his young age says a lot about the young man. I’m sure his family was touched by all of those who came to pay tribute.
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I’m sure seeing all those people brought great comfort to the family…
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28? That is much too young… what happened? May he rest in peace…
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it is way too young, but he made the most out of his 28 years…
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What an amazing young man who had devoted his life to selflessly loving and caring for others. My condolences to his friends and family. May his life remain as an example of all that is good in us.
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thank you, Brad. I agree, he sounds like a special young man…
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What a full and generous life.
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it sure was…
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What an inspiring young man he was. So sad!
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yes, inspiring is the right word…
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Indeed, this young man experienced a great deal of life in such a short time. I am sure he will serve as an inspiration for others in the years in come. Every day is precious!
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he inspires me, and I never even met the young man…
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How very sad, to bury a child.
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that has to be one of the most painful things in life…
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Wow. Moved Jim. So sad.
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it was sad, but a wonderful show of support for the family…
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This so sad, Jim but for one so young what a full and rich life he lived…a great loss to the world and of course his family and many friends x
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sad indeed, but the large turnout had to provide a good deal of comfort to the family…
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I’m sure it did, Jim but the other side of the coin is they have lost their son xx
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He sounds like he was a great guy. Condolences to his family and friends.
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that’s the impression I got as well; sad but inspirational…
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Moving tribute jim. Thanks for sharing
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thanks for reading, Peter. it was a sad event…
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Cheers jim
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Just too much sadness in the world Jim. Lovely tribute.
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it was a sad situation, but inspirational at the same time…
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True dat! 🙂
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👍
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