My thoughts are still a jumble about the man who played my husband in one scene, and religious tormentor in another, but I do KNOW that every time someone compliments my black & white fedora, I will remember him with a smile. Many people have commented on it over the past year, and I've always been quick to say it was from a dear friend who gave it to me 'just because'. See, I often wore my black fedora to rehearsal & performances, and John came across one that had a knit top, with a white snowflake design, that happened to match EXACTLY the snowflake design on my mittens. And he bought it for me. Because.
Because he was a giver, a kind soul.
Another of the pastimes he did was attend marathons as a spectator, holding out Twizzlers, and wearing a shirt that said "Free Hugs", which he gave willingly, lovingly and openly.
After hearing of his passing, I was walking down a snow-covered sidewalk to an appointment yesterday, and a couple of guys waiting for the bus caught my attention. I thought perhaps they would compliment my hat, thus assuring me Walski's energy was still around. It was better than that - the one guy complimented my boots and asked where I got them, then he pulled me into a quick, gentle hug. (No, he didn't pickpocket me, or grope me or anything like that!) And I knew that I had been given the gift of a free hug from an unexpected place.
Thanks, Walski.
And who would have thought, but Buzzfeed, of all places, put together this list that I think is worth reading and sharing.
Things Nobody Tells You About Being Depressed