Goodbye my friend
There was a time, around 9th Grade when I was worried that I may someday have to say “goodbye” to a classmate. Over the years those fears lessened and we all managed to graduate. Tonight I found myself saying goodbye to a different classmate, under circumstances I never expected. Today I attended a viewing for a friend from High School; it feels weird thinking a friend from high school is gone when we only graduated three months ago. I’m not the most articulate speaker at times, so I’ll write what I want to say.
Today alumni and students of Salisbury High School gathered to mourn the loss of one of their own. There were students from all across the social spectrum. Some of us were friends ourselves, some of us were acquaintances and some of us had almost nothing in common. Except the loss of Marcus. Our common bond for the night was: we came to say goodbye.
That’s the type of person Marcus was. Every time I saw him he was ready with a smile or friendly comment. I have never heard him truly angry at anyone nor had he ever spoken an unkind word if he could avoid it. He had friends all across the school, a fact which truly registered tonight. I once heard somewhere a bit of dialogued that claimed “What we leave behind is not as important as how we’ve lived,” while this may be the case Marcus should be satisfied in both categories. What he left behind is a result of how he lived. He was kind to all, accepting to all, and remarkably (for a Salisbury student) drama free. He leaves behind a diverse group of lives he touched.
It is unfortunate that he could not be with us, but I trust he was looking down from wherever he was and I hope he saw the immense crowd and knows of the lives he touched either directly or indirectly. For all the years I knew him he and his family raised Seeing Eye Puppies so his caring nature branched even further then perhaps anyone realized.
So now I say goodbye to one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I hope wherever you are you can read this and know the affect you had on people. As I was leaving my house to head to the viewing, behind it was a beautiful, vibrant, double rainbow looking like it started on your house and ended at Burkolders, you must have done something right. That is all the sign I need to know you ended up in the right place. Goodbye my friend.
We’ll see you on the other side.
never thought u the poetic type McD…. wish i woulda gone…
i know i have no idea who you are and you dont know me either. i dont know your friend marcus however im deeply sorry for your loss. i lost a friend of mine who was actually a boyfriend, a year and a half ago. if you ever want to talk about things or need to vent on it, although im a total stranger im always here. i know how it is to lose a loved one like that, especially outta the blue. still to this day my loss gets me, which is why i am opening the door if youd ever like to talk. my names Justine Moore on facebook or you may instant message me at neenx45
Thank you for that. I have attempted to find you on facebook but there are quite a few Justine Moore’s. I apologise for my late response, and I do appreciate the offer.