I didn’t get to know Henry until this past year. Being a year above him at PHHS, he and I knew of each other during our time there but didn’t befriend one another until last July. He was a presence I saw at the Ashland YMCA every single day when I worked. He always came at 4:15 PM, his hair in a perfectly arranged man bun… the biggest smile I’d ever seen. You couldn’t help but smile so damn big yourself staring right back at him. We talked most days and it became a part of my day I quite looked forward to. He was one of the gentlest souls I’ve ever encountered. After his passing, in honor of Henry, I got the German phrase ‘du schaffst das’ tattooed on my right wrist. This translates to “you can do this”, reminding me to carry on Henry’s commitment to conquering the fearful unknown. Henry will always remain a presence in my life. I did not have much time with him as my friend but I am lucky for the time I did get. He will always be in my mind–his big, goofy smile and all–reminding me to push through all fear and to live both largely and beautifully.
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