Joy delights in Joy

I saw a show last night. A show with so much heart, honesty, and purity, that it gave every single theater in the cities a run for their money. It was created by teenagers. Beat that.

The opening number tugged at my heart. A young man alone on the stage. Strength. Confidence. Vulnerability. As he danced alone on stage, the back curtain opened to reveal the entire company, dressed in flowing robes. As they engulfed him with their love and support, I could only think of one thing, Eric.

We lost a friend a year ago. A young man who I knew only in his joyful times. He was a goon, a clown, a true gentleman. Our high school years were filled with some of the most joy-filled times of my life. He was always there with his big head (literally..a big head..giant), an even bigger smile, and his huge heart. He was the VISTA theatre department. He made me laugh. He made me think. He made us smile. I never knew him without his joy.

I found myself thinking of him all throughout that show last night. A young man... strong, confidant, but so very vulnerable. We were there for him on that stage once. There to engulf him in the love and support he deserved and needed. That stage possessed the memories of his joy, and that joy still exists on those floor boards. His joyful spirit was there.

I find myself wishing for him often. I wish he would have remembered how infinitely loved he was. I wish he didn't make that choice one day. I wish he knew the pain he caused by leaving too soon. I wish for his happiness now. I wish he remembered his JOY. But at the end of the day..it's as simple as...We wish he were still here. We can wish and wish and wish. What we have are his memories. His talent. His charm. His strength. The love he had. The joy he shared with us. I like to remember him in his joyful times.

You were loved. You are missed.

xo

“Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs.”-St. Frances de Sales