I know it's been a long time...

I know it's been a long time, it's been hectic. I can't help but feel a need to write now.

I just got back from attending my first memorial service since my father's funeral.

It was for a 22 year old German student that was stabbed outside his apartment December 1st.

Thomas Heinrich was a classmate that came to Griffith College for the semester with a small group of students. Tragically he lost his life after getting into a fight with two Irish kids and his friend was injured.

I did not know Thomas but after going to the memorial today I saw how he was. I heard stories, I saw his family and most importantly I saw how many of his fellow classmates showed up. The auditorium was packed full that the staff spent the first 15 minutes getting more chairs. I saw people all around me crying for a man that they have known from the span of the two months to years. I couldn't help but cry myself over the shock, emotion and the pain his family and friends are feeling.

Then his father spoke. He spoke of the pain they were feeling but what amazed me was how his words managed to calm everyone a little. He was sure to tell the people that were there in his sons last moments to not beat themselves up thinking they could have done more. He talked about how while there may be anger to not want revenge. He spoke with such sadness but kindness in his voice that it was calming. It was moving.

I read in a book the following, "when a person dies suddenly, it's because they've completed what they came here to do and have no reason for prolonged illness."

I only got to hear a little of what Thomas did. I heard his teachers talk, his friends and his parents. I saw in the crowd today how many people he managed to touch in the short span we've been here. I like to think of that quote in this moment.

The entire time I sat there I could not help but think, this was not what I anticipated happening when I studied abroad. Time to learn from it I suppose, the biggest thing I've learned is tell everyone I love them constantly.