In Memoriam - Joshua Lo - My Dear, Sweet Friend
That time Josh and I went to El Rio for Sunday Funday.
"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." — Anonymous
I remember the day I met Josh. It was a beautiful, sunny, warm, Fall day in San Francisco, September 20, 2014. I was meeting up with Alfredo and Wayne for brunch at Skool, and they brought along a few of their friends, one of whom was Josh. Josh sat across from me and we immediately connected. He was so funny, nice and charming. We had a great brunch and I remember feeling very happy that I had made a new friend.
After brunch, we all walked outside and I remember Wayne and Josh being so excited because there was an old trailer parked outside on the street and they wanted to take pictures in front of it. I never would have thought anything of it, but it was just a little amazing to see them get so excited over it. I think I remember Wayne saying that it was "trashy chic" LOL, or something like that. I think he actually used some more offensive, yet hilarious words -- all in all it was just hilarious to watch them soak in their enjoyment of having an impromptu fashion photo shoot in front of this old trailer. Watching them did make me think, well it is a little vintage-looking, interesting and cool.
Shortly thereafter, Alfredo posted a picture of all of us on Facebook and tagged all of us, so I took the opportunity to add Josh, then we exchanged numbers and we would hangout randomly from time to time, each time would be great fun. Josh always knew how to have a great time.
As with many of my friendships, I feel like I could have made more of an effort to know Josh better and more. I would say that our friendship was somewhat superficial - actually I would say that most of my friendships are somewhat superficial. I think that one of the major lessons for me, with Josh passing away so suddenly, is to take the time and effort to cultivate more meaningful, deeper connections and friendships. The challenge is that often times, we are all so busy and strained for time with so many things that, at least for me, cultivating friendships has taken a lower priority. I would like to change that going forward.
I think a lot of us see a lot of ourselves in Josh. What happened to him could have been any of us. Josh is gone now and there's nothing anyone can do to bring him back. I would like to believe strongly that I can be a better person going forward - be a better friend - be there for my family, be a better son, a better brother, a better uncle to my young nieces and nephew - to wake up everyday with the gratitude of knowing that I am so fortunate to have another chance to do better and be better. Josh, may you rest rest in peace. You definitely elevated my life with your charm, laughter and love.
"Grief is in two parts. The first is loss. The second is the remaking of life." — Anne Roiphe
