|
I'd like to take a few minutes to tell you about our son
Quinn.
Quinn definitely touched and changed our lives when he came
into this world almost 13 years ago.
Over these past nearly 13 years, we have watched him grow
from a fun loving little boy, into a charismatic young man
whose gentleness and compassion was evident to anyone who
was fortunate enough to know him.
So many times he displayed his sensitivity and compassion
through his interactions with his sister and younger cousins.
They looked up to Quinn; he served as a wonderful role model
to them. Quinn's sister Tess was especially important to him.
He was forever teasing and cajoling her; as older brothers
often are, he was relentless. But whenever Tess would scrape
her knee or get a bump on the head, Quinn was right by her
side to hug her, rub her back and shed just as many tears
because he also felt her pain.
Quinn's school years were difficult because he was dyslexic;
yet his desire to learn was paramount. His teachers were aware
of his learning disability and marveled at how he pressed
on and never gave up. His determination earned him a B average.
His energy was boundless. Before leaving for school he would
bounce a ball or hit a hockey puck against our front porch
stairs. (By the way, we had to replace the lower glass portion
of the aluminum storm door.)
His young life was rich with family and friends. He dreamed
of playing college hockey and remaining active in sports as
a coach or trainer. I am certain our bright young man would
have achieved any and all goals he set for himself.
We all want to make a place in the world, make our voices
heard, have a chance to be someone.
Quinn had certainly begun this long journey of life, and
was starting to discover just who he really was, but sadly
was taken too soon.
He still had so many more things to accomplish, so many more
dreams to dream and so much more to offer each and every one
of us. If given more of a chance, I'm certain Quinn would
have reached higher and higher for his place in the world.
Quinn's Gramma and Grandpa were and are an integral part
of our children's lives. They took Quinn and Tess to the Cape
every summer and introduced them to other cultural activities.
Through Gramma and her longtime association with the Shaker
Village, Quinn and Tess learned the importance of volunteer
work. Quinn was also involved with the "Big Buddy"
mentor program at his school. But a story his Gramma told
me sums up who Quinn was as a person. At an age when many
young men begin to distance themselves from adults, she is
proud and delighted to report that every time her strapping
young grandson walked through her door, he would embrace her,
kiss her gently on the cheek and say "Hi Gramma."
As everyone knows, Quinn has given the gift of life to a
number of people through the donation of his organs. I am
certain that the recipient of Quinn's heart is saddened by
our son's tragic death, but at the same time is grateful and
euphoric that he has an opportunity to live his life to the
fullest because of Quinn.
It is a privilege to have Quinn as a son. He will be surely
missed, forever loved, and forever in our hearts. "Quinn
you are loved."
Eulogy by Ann Connally 12/8/2000
|
