Saturday, March 27, 2010

Day Three - The Calm Before the (Tear) Storm

Today was a day of checking items off the list. We’ve done so much these last couple days – it’s odd to be able to take a breath and relax for a moment. There’s still the occasional moment of trying to hold back tears, but for the most part we just feel… exhausted. Numb about the event we are about to hold, and exhausted for all of the work we’ve been doing.

Whiteboard – check!



More picture boards…



He had an incredible amount of photos… full of smiles, good memories and interesting hair styles.


Now I need to try to finish up my speech for tomorrow. I know what I want to say… but I don’t know if I’ll be able to utter a single word. It’s still just so unreal.


This just sucks. My heart is still broken; my emotional well is just empty… I’m tired of working, I’m tired of crying… but I don’t want it to end. A part of me feels that tomorrow will make it “real”. That it’s a ceremony to signify a finishing point….


Alex will always be with me. He helped me to be a better person and I will always cherish the time we spent together, and regret not being able to make more.


I can’t wait for tomorrow to be over… but I don’t want it to come.


Hope you like it Alex.


-Blase


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Written by: Blase B. Iuliano
Edited by: Janet Cheng

4 comments:

groovysabrina said...

You all are amazing. Truly. Thank you and bless you.

Carol said...

Hi Blase, thanks again for keeping up the blogging... It makes those of us far away feel closer, when we really wish we could have been there in person... There's no shortage of people who can't be there but who are really upset about Alex's departure... Thanks for the amazing efforts...

Unknown said...

I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the service today, but I was sending my thoughts from afar. I am so sad to hear about Alex and will miss him a lot. Thank you for keeping us updated and for organizing what sounds to be a beautiful memorial service.

Maryam ZM said...

Hi Blase,

Thank you so much for keeping up the blogging and updating us. I'm so shocked and saddened that I don't know what to say. I can't believe this happened so fast. I wish I could have been there today...but I'm sure he was among plenty of love. I met Alex when I came to Stanford a few years ago. He always had a friendly smile and a passion for helping others. I remember having a lot of lively discussion with him...esp about education of women in the developing countries. His knowledge and insight always amazed me. He was truly a caring person and the world is a better place because of him. I'm so glad he got to get his PhD the way he wanted...thank you Serena and the rest who helped make this happen. You're all amazing for making his last days full of love and support and for organizing a great memorial. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Alex-- you made a difference in the lives of so many and you will be truly missed.

-Maryam