Chris Al-Aswad reached out to me two months ago and asked me to write for him. With pay. Apparently believing really is seeing. I would have been less shocked if Brad Pitt dropped down on one knee and begged me to marry him (I would say yes, by the way, on one condition: that Angie stay around. I do love her). Between the two of us, I was a lowly intern, soaking up as much knowledge as I could from my new hero... but to the world, he referred to me as his new reporter.
I am inordinately shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. A genius man, Chris was patient, having a keen editor's eye and settling for no less than perfection. His stylish website (check out my articles here) and professional demeanor made me proud to write for him. His critique - both positive and negative, it didn't really matter - kept me on a high for hours. When he used the word "exceptional" to describe one article in particular, I called at least three friends joyfully. I don't know what Chris saw in me, but he saw something. In him, I saw everything.
To have someone believe in me as much as he did in such an uncertain time in my life has meant the world to me. To my friend and forever mentor, I will never forget you, Lethe.
I join you in mourning the loss of Chris to all of us.
ReplyDeleteHe reached out to me, too, often commenting on my tweets, my blogposts, the artists I feature, and more. He was, in ways I knew only in the virtual world, exceptional. His energy amazed me (though he confided a bit of burnout) and his resources, which he shared so generously, seemed to have no end. He had a rare passion for living fully.
I think everyone online today has joined hands to enfold Chris in thanksgiving for his friendship, kind spirit, and blessing in our lives.
Laura, thank you for sharing what he meant to you. In this day of 'what's in it for me?', and 'what's it to you?' Chris was a refreshing source of generosity. Giving of himself. Conflicted, yes. Intense, certainly. Real - you bet. We benefit from him, and can only hope he benefitted from us. As I say that thouh, it is clear he did, as he was always quick to appreciate, and acknowledge. We are connecting today in his honour, as time moves on we will stay connected with his memory and how he touched our lives.
ReplyDeleteThose people are rare and special. Saddened by his passing, at least you'll live out your days remembering his life and what it meant.
ReplyDeleteHey, sorry for your loss, take comfort in his inspiration and belief in you, the essance of why we live and breath to be touched and uplifted by another human being
ReplyDeletehis dreams will become a reality. his visions will grow as time goes on. the art he dreamed of creating will be seen by many. as long as there are people like you and others that are inspired by him, he will always be here. his presence will be felt.
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