I woke up this morning and headed straight for the playground, in eager anticipation of all that awaited me there. But I arrived to find something missing. Someone missing.
Swing, ©Michael Newman
One by one, we friends began to arrive, and we stood around wondering how we should laugh and run and play without our friend beside us. It hit us hard – we are without him. The world is without him.
He was the kind of friend who would share his shovel with a new kid who hadn’t brought one. Or step aside and let you climb the ladder first. Or help you up when you tripped and skinned you knee, while making a joke so you would laugh and forget how much it stung. Who doesn’t love a guy like that?
He loved the playground. Even when he knew it was getting late, he fought hard to stay. And in the end when it was time for him to go, he left his footprints in the sandbox, to remind us always of the important things: People. Sharing. Kindness. Friendship. Music. Laughter.
It’s difficult to imagine now, but we will swing again, and our friends will be beside us. We will remember his humor, his strength. We will hear a song and remember his voice singing, and we will smile. We will miss him, yet his memory will inspire us even more to be true to who we are, and to find delight in every corner of the playground.
~ Christiana
In fond memory of Kevin Durciansky
Thank you for this. I think Kevin would want us to grieve for him, and then get back to fighting and playing. He would want us to be mentally healthy so that we could play fully and joyfully.
I agree, Barbara. I’m not there, yet – the tears are still flowing. It took me pages and pages of rain before I found the ray of sunshine. But I didn’t want to publish despair. Myself, I needed this reminder that, if he were here to see us grieving, he would have told a joke to make us smile.
I agree he would try to make us smile.
A lovely tribute, Christiana. Thankyou
Thank you for putting into words so beautifully how so many of us who knew Kevin are feeling right now.
Can you tell me when his passing was? He sent me an email on June 11th to wish me a Happy Birthday. When were the services? Sorry but this is the first I am hearing of this news and a bit shaken. He was a close friend. I thank you.
Kevin passed away on the morning of June 14th. I have replied to you privately via e-mail, Caprise. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Thanks for the lovely Tribute to my brother Kevin. I miss his strength, humor, voice and texts everyday. Kevin started telling jokes at a very young age and used them to cheer people up. I thank you for using his talent and helping him to be happy and proud. Kevin would give you the last item he owned, if he thought it would take your mind off your troubles. Taken from us too soon, I try to focus on what he has taught me about life.