The 867 miles from Austin to Phoenix never felt so heavy as they have these past 2 days. I really didn’t expect it. I miss you, Morgan. I have a huge lump in my throat tonight as I read through past entries and their respective comments. It’s a lump and not a stream of tears only because I’ve kept Jack up WAY past his bedtime to soak him up extra heavy in hopes of knocking the edge of this void I feel.
I read back on all of this and can’t believe how much has CHANGED in half a year. I’ve accepted that life IS change. Although, I haven’t gotten used to it. I admire that you seem to have embraced it. It’s awe-inspiring how resilient and adaptable and strong you are. And that’s not new. You’ve always been all of those things. I didn’t always realize it, but I see it now in hindsight. You are encouraging us, your friends and family (admirers) to dig deeper and find the strength that we also possess to deal with our own changes and challenges.
Before Jack came home today, I had some {more} time to myself. I loaded his new bike into my trunk to go put some air in the tires. The journey was rich with remembrance of our Christmas Day adventures we had as kids when we would go out to roam the streets and parking lots of our neighborhood when no one else was around. The streets today were quiet as they were then. The storefronts were also closed and dark. For that moment, it made me feel a little closer to you- despite the cursed distance I mentioned earlier.
I tell this little story to illustrate a bigger idea. You live in the hearts and minds of THOUSANDS of people. For every vocal cheerleader who leaves a note in cyberspace, there are a thousand quiet supporters who have benefited from knowing you, reading your words, enjoying your many web creations, etc. I am proud to realize your legacy. It’s quite a lot to have accomplished considering your relatively young age plus obstacles.
2009 has been a really tough year in so many ways- for so many people. Thank you, on behalf of all of us that know you, for the reminder and inspiration to look forward to the future and “never give up.”
I can’t wait to see you next month.
Love,
Mark
Filed under Family & Friends, Memories
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Mark(and of course Morgan also)I wholeheartedly agree with your above comments!I saw how close you brothers were at the Leap Day Filming Slabs 2008!Morgan,thousands,maybe tens of thousands root for you!Bigjohn
tears of agreement.
A beautiful letter from one who loves to one who is loved.
We at Our Cancer continue to offer our prayers. As the New Year approaches, we light our (virtual) candles on your behalf and encircle you in blessings.
“There are people whose presence is encouraging. . . The sense of encouragement you feel from them is not simply their words or gestures; it is rather their whole presence enfolding you and helping you find the concealed door.” ~ John O’Donohue
This is beautiful. The love, loyalty and camaraderie shared between your family is truly amazing. You are all in my thoughts.