A Note of Remembrance

This entry has nothing to do with my Asian adventures, but I just want to put this in here as it is part of my life and something that has helped shape me as horrifying and sad as it was.

A year ago today a friend of mine decided to end his life. This anniversary is difficult to say the least, as is any anniversary of a tragic event. I know it may be cliche to put something in a blog about this, but today I sit here alone in remembrance and mourning and nobody here to share in it with so I share with whoever reads this blog. Today more than any other day of the year I realize that things of annoyance, inconvenience, and the small pains we feel living as humans can be frivilous and blown out of proportion in order to give our problems a feeling of worth. I remember today that there are people who have far larger problems than the small things I worry about. People who keep these problems bottled up inside for so long that the only solution felt is the drastic measure of taking ones life.

As sad as it is, from tragedy comes virtue. Virtue in learning, virture in modesty and virtue of sharing. Although problems most people have are small, they are worth sharing before they get too large. Worth sharing before you have no avenue to find escape. Virtue of perspective. Today I remember my friend, remember how happy he was when we were friends and how fortunate I am to have known him. And although he is gone, while he was alive he was able to pass on happy memories, faith in humanity and a remembrance of how people should be. Listeners, guidance givers, unconditional friends and most importantly his biggest lesson was one he never practiced, and that was sharing your feeling and thoughts because there is always somebody who can relate and somebody who cares enough about you to listen and talk things out.

I will remember you always and cherish the friendship we had.