Sean
David was a one of a kind human being, and his loss is tremendous. While I haven't talked to him in maybe two decades, I can still see the impact he had on my life daily. As a child, I looked up to him. He was the coolest person on the planet to my young mind. He introduced me to rap music. He talked with me in a way that made me feel five years older--not five years his junior. He took time to play with me, and I often felt like he was my best friend as much as a cousin.
As we got older, we saw less of each other, and the adult I grew to be never really got to meet the adult he became. Yet when I think about qualities I've been complimented on along the way--friendliness, empathy and an ease of getting along with anyone--I know that these are the qualities I learned from watching David early on. They're his, and I just borrowed them, because I knew that if I could capture even a fraction of what he demonstrated I'd be doing alright. David was, and always will be, the coolest person on the planet after all.
I hate I never reached out as an adult. I'm not sure if he knew the impact he had on my life. The genre of music he introduced me to later leading to my traveling the country and meeting my wife. The qualities he demonstrated becoming a cornerstone of the person I strive to be. I'm unsure if he realized, but I'll never forget where they came from--and I'll always endeavor to remain a student to his masterclass in being an incredible person. Thank you for everything David. You are forever loved and will always be missed.