I am doing a speach for a good friend of mine that was killed yesterday morning. It is the absolute hardest thing I've had to do yet, and it isn't quite finished. But would like a few opinions on it so far. Thanks in advance guys.-Aaron

As I sit here and write this out, draft after draft, minute after minute, I think of the loss that we have all just endured. Friend, friend is what Sean was considered by most that knew him, but to me, and most others, he was more than a friend, someone that can never be replaced. Sean was the kind of guy that just about anyone, would not be ashamed to have as a brother. 19 years, 19 years ago the entire world received a gift, and after 19 years, just any regular gift would have been long forgotten about, but not Sean, he will be remembered for many more years to come. Even though, that length of time seems like a long time, in the grand scheme of things, it is just a flash in the pan, I can assure you all, Sean Swanson was not just any “flash in the pan” he was much more, but we can not sit here and think of the missed opportunities, the “could have” and “should have” that we missed, cannot fill our heads anymore, I know, because it fills my head constantly. Sean would not have wanted this, he would have been more than upset if he was here, just seeing one wet eye over his passing. Instead of sitting here, mourning the loss of a son, brother, and a friend, we need to be celebrating the good times, and forgetting about the bad. Never forgetting the time we stayed up all night before the first day of football practice, drinking more red bull, and eating that cheesy popcorn than any human should ever consume, or all the jokes among other things we did in the back of the classroom and other places, or how he showed leadership, and support for freshman to senior on the football field and in life in general. Certain things we encounter in life, don’t seem fair, or can’t be explained at the time, but I am not worried. I know that for Sean to leave us, as soon as he did, must be pretty important, and he will be better off where he is at now. Even though I will miss Sean dearly, I must say goodbye for now, for our friend is going on to bigger and better things. Goodbye friend, you might be gone, but you are in no way forgotten.

 

Sorry for your loss, but i think its dang good right as it is bud

 

Thanks, also for the title change too. I have had my head up my butt since about noon yesterday.

 

Looks good to me buddy. Don't worry too much on content. Just present it from the heart. Sorry on your loss.

 

77hiboyboy,
As a very wise man once said, 'if it aint broke, don't fix it.'

Very well done!

 

I agree, it's very good and content is not most improtant, the love and memories are. Sorry for the loss. Best wishes to you and all of his friends and family.

 

Yep- straight from the heart can't be improved on. Sorry for the loss.

 

Great job especially in a time like this. I'll raise my glass to him, Sean Swanson.
May he never be forgotten.

Erik

 

Sorry for your loss. Leave it alone, it is from your heart. We can't improve on it.

 

Well, it did to me exactly what Sean would not have wanted: my eyes sure got wet.

I'm guessing I'm a bit more than twice your age, and I've written a couple of these myself. From my "aged" perspective, I think I can say: you nailed it my friend, nice job. I wouldn't change a word. 19 is way too young to have to be facing this, and I feel for ya. The best way to remember Sean is to help make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else you know.

 

It is unfortunate that you have to be "educated" on how this experience is....

I wish no one had to experience it... but we do...

and friends, love, kindness, and time are the only things that make it "less worse" than it is right now.... nothing will make it better....

 

Agreed with everyone...don't change it. Add to it if you think of something else, but keep it coming from your heart.

My condolences. Always remember his last gift to you, proof that life is fragile and precious...and the important things are all those that you listed.

Be well,

Erik

 

THanks guys, the final draft is a bit longer, and e1p1 sent me some help to. Thanks alot guys.

 

77hiboy, skip the speech. The folks that have asked you to speak aren't wanting to hear a thought out speech. They want to hear your heart and the value that your beloved friend had to you and others. I would suggest making some short notes, real short, and speak from your heart. That's really what they want to hear and it will surprize you how easily it comes once you get started. And try to remember how blessed all of you were to have such a person come thru your life. You will do fine and celebrate the mans life as you know it. You and yours have my condolances.

 

WIsh I could flash, gonna have trouble holding this one together, let alone one that really flows with feelings. If it was anyone but this guy, I probably could. The whole world is at a loss when we lost this kid,