It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to write these words. On November 11, Aaron Glazer unexpectedly passed away due to complications from food poisoning. While there’s probably a joke there somewhere (one that he would make and I would yell at him for), nothing about what he leaves behind is funny.

He was a man who gave his whole heart with no questions asked. He was a man who fought bravely for what he believed in. He did whatever he could, without hesitation, to do anything he thought would make the world better. He was a friend, a father, a son, a teacher, a leader. He was a husband, a human, a helping hand. There was no gesture too small and no price too high. If you’re reading this, it’s because he did that for you. He saw you. He helped you. He explained something really complicated — feelings, course work, video games — in a clear way. He paid for your meal. He lent you money. He went out of his way to bring you somewhere. No matter what was going on, he would help.

Now, his family needs our help. His wife and son are faced with an overwhelming number of unexpected challenges including medical bills, ongoing living expenses, their son's schooling, and the complicated and costly arrangements involved in bringing Aaron to rest. The questions his family now has to find the answers to are nearly endless. If Aaron ever helped you in any way, please help his family now. No contribution is too small. Any and all help is appreciated and accepted.

One of the last things Aaron did was troll me for being too boring. I sassed him right back for being too busy. Living abroad, we would compare weekend plans. Mine were collecting cobwebs. His were wandering the world. Whether you decide to contribute or not (you should, btw), thank you for being a part of his whirlwind world. Thank you for being one of the many branches on his tree of life. Thank you for holding his seeds of insight, generosity, truth, and authenticity. And, thank you in advance for spreading the goodness he gave you back into the world.