Friday, October 2, 2009
Hi Nikki & Tony, I just wanted to say some things about Wes. I didn't know Wes too well. We knew each other by name and said hello from time to time at Stop & Shop or at the Podaras's house. We talked a few times, and that is the extent to which I knew Wes. Nikki, when you read the excerpts from his journal to Christian, one thing really hit me. Wes wrote about someone telling him early in his career to treat the janitor the same as the president of the company. They both have the same feelings. And he later passed this advice on to Christian in the list of 10 rules by which to live life. When Cliff told me that Wes had passed away, I felt immediate and intense sadness. I had felt the same sadness when he fell sick last year. After a while, I stopped to think why I was so sad. Of course, I was sad for the both of you and Judy and everyone else who was close to Wes for your loss. However, I felt a sadness of my own that was disproportionate to how well I knew Wes. Nikki, when you read the excerpts in the church, I realized why I was so saddened by Wes's passing. Every time I saw Wes, whether it was at the Podaras's or the grocery store, his face lit up, welcoming the encounter. I stopped to think, who the hell was I that Wes would seem so delighted to see me? I mean, he only knows me through mutual friends/family and we never talked at length exclusively. I mean, he doesn't really know anything too personal about me, yet he treats me as if he knows me very well and thinks I'm a good person. For all he knows, I could be a scumbag! That was it. Wes lived by his own advice. He was a guy who was nice to everyone, and treated people with equal respect. Every time I saw him, he was in a good mood (Tony - must be where you get it from, because I can't remember ever seeing you pissed or in a bad mood!) He was a guy who treated people equally and with the utmost respect and welcome. He went out of his way to be kind and warm to people, and he made you feel like a good friend, even if he didn't know you too well. I am so sorry for your loss. And please pass my sorrow on to Judy as well. Wes was a beautiful person, and the world is MUCH less without him. I love you guys, and if there's anything I can do, please let me know. Jason
