This man taught me one of the most important values I could have learned throughout my now 31 years of life. But let’s start at the beginning. 

Connor and I developed an immediate bond through humor. Anyone who knows Connor knows he’s an instant crowd-pleaser with his quick wit and strong grasp on what it takes to make any audience laugh. Throughout our many years of friendship we’ve shared numerous laughs and conversations about the wonders of the universe. One of our favorite pastimes was going to Holmdel Park for walks and talks. It’s a pastime that I have now been doing with just about every peer in my life. Not only is Connor a humor-gifted individual, but a true intellectual and a master of his craft. 

But something though that didn’t resonate with me when we were younger, was his ongoing bouts with mental health. I couldn’t grasp how someone so jovial can flip the script and be so sad at any given moment. It wouldn’t be until years later that I had my own bouts with mental health that I truly understood. In Connor-like fashion, he was never judgmental and only understanding, a true sign of a brother. Our conversation about mental health is one I hold dear to my heart. But the lesson that I gained from the experience is invaluable.

How can we truly comprehend the idea that just because someone’s going through something and you’re not… doesn’t invalidate what they’re going through? Sure, experiencing it yourself will then put you in their shoes. It shouldn’t be necessary, though. You’re a smart person. Imagine what the other person is going through. Every story is different, so just because something is not happening to you, doesn’t make it any less real.

Connor, I cannot thank you enough for being the insightful human being you are. You’ve brought me so much joy and wisdom that it could last a lifetime. I hope throughout the rest of our lives we will continue to grow together to become the best versions of ourselves. Whoever that may be.