The Most Valuable Lesson Learned
Diagnosed with leukemia at the young age of 18, a dear brother from our college ministry was fighting strong for 7 months. We as a body of the church believed he was healed after those several months, but a few days after our relief of our brother’s diagnosis, God decided to take him earlier than anyone had expected. On January 7, 2011, our dear brother Alex passed away.
As today was the memorial for Alex’s funeral, I did not know what to expect. Never have I been to one considering the fact that I was never a relevant figure in the lives of those who have passed. But here I was, sitting in what seemed to be a small chapel, wearing all black. Upon entering the room, the mood was quite different from just 5 feet away to where the doors were. It already pained me to see Alex from a distance laying so still in his casket, but I tried all I can to avoid those tears. As the service went on, we reached a point where a slideshow with Alex’s pictures were shown. As the background music (Josh Groban- You Raise Me Up) played, Alex’s pictures transitioned beautifully from birth to high school graduation. And this is when it hit me. When recent pictures came up to where his face was recognizable from when I first met him. This pain was nothing you can fathom. It hurt…from the bottom of my heart way up to the top. Tears were all that were able to be spoken.
I cannot say I knew Alex inside and out, in fact, I only knew the outside of Alex. We served in praise team together when i was in high school and he was one of the singers. Never did I take initiation in getting to know him, and rarely did I ever say “Hi.” I did not bother caring for him because I was too busy caring only for the people I wanted to care for. I figured he’d find his own way around things because he was quite the oddball. If I could of course, I’d take back every wrong I ever did towards him..but clearly it’s too late. There are so many things I can go on about what I could’ve should’ve would’ve, but that’s not what Alex’s passing taught me. Through this incredibly difficult lesson, Alex has taught me to be selfless, to care about everyone around us (despite their quirks), and to never..EVER think our battle is the only battle.
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
-Plato
My friend Angela once told me, “Every week we come to church and sit next to different people. And though we may have our own issues we never know what kind and how big of problems the person next to us is going through.” Many of us, including myself, fail to recognize that we ourselves are not the only ones who exist in a pool of blood from time to time. We are all guilty of the same charge. It does hurt me to see that it took this much for me to grasp the importance in recognizing others, but I am ever so thankful.
Alex, although you are no longer here, I would like for you to know that a huge impact was made in my life today. I learned one of the biggest lessons in life. Funny how simple it is too. You’re in a much better place without anymore pain and everyone is so happy for you. We all love you and will miss you but don’t ever hesitate to visit.
Rest In Peace
Alex Lee
11/29/1991~01/07/2011
