As most of us already know, Shane (Grasshopper) passed away after a car accident on December 12th. There are no words to describe the devastation we are all feeling. It seems impossible for someone who played a pivotal role in so many lives to just... be gone.

 

Shane was a brilliant, magical person. He could build a working clock out of nothing but paper, eat a lightbulb without cutting his mouth, make elaborate french pastries, put a Subaru engine inside a Volkswagen, and come up with enough money to travel the world in two months. If you tell a story about Shane to someone who's never met him, there's a good chance they won't find it believable.

 

He was more than just his accomplishments though. He was the kind of person that understands you as you truly are. He knew where you'd been and accepted what you've become while still encouraging you to grow. My most transformative experiences can all be traced back to Shane in some way, and I know I'm not the only one. If you knew him, he changed you.

 

Shane knew what he wanted out of life, and he never hesitated to go after it. To some, this gave the impression of immaturity. I think that's short-sighted. He lived exactly as he wanted to, and he didn't waste time conforming to anyone's expectations. He did not burden others; he took care of them. He collected the broken, the beaten and the damned... and he saved us. Over and over again. Now he is gone, and he needs us.

 

Several months ago, Shane and his mother, Kay, secured a loan to build on a two acre property in Astoria, Oregon. Shane wanted to make sure Kay had somewhere to live after her retirement, and he wanted to be there for her as she grew older and needed help. His commitment and love for his mom outweighed his love of adventure. However, Kay can't afford the payments on this property now that Shane is gone.

 

I know we can help. Think about every time Shane dropped everything to fix your car or pick you up from the middle of nowhere. How many of your loved ones do you know because of Shane? How many times did he stay up with you all night when you needed company? Please, please donate if you can. Please share the campaign. Let's get this loan paid off and help Shane get one last impossible thing accomplished.

 

I encourage everyone to leave stories about Shane with their donations if they are able. Maybe a story about a time Shane helped you, or whatever else sticks out in your mind.

 

I'll go first.

 

- Jenny