I hate to do this to you all yet again, but we lost another incredible friend this past week. This year has not been kind to us.
On Sunday, Joe Crawford, a devastatingly handsome, funny, and loving man—my best friend and boyfriend for over 3 years, lost his life hiking and fishing with a friend by Baker Lake in Washington. It’s important to talk about Joe here, because he was Holland’s first and most steadfast supporter. This is hard for me to write, and I’m still overwhelmingly shaky and emotional, but I want you all to know about Joe and help me keep his memory alive with lots of love—because that’s what he deserves. Same as Beau and same as Janin.
Joe was there the first time I saw what now is Holland’s home. He picked it out. There were four spaces housed on the location—and we were given a choice, and he chose our space, and the rest, as you know, is history.
Before Holland even had a name, Joe was writing letters and helping us obtain sound and lighting equipment. Joe secured Holland’s first major donation, a PA from Microsoft. We were supposed to drive it from Seattle to Reno in the next couple weeks.
Two weeks ago he told me to send him Holland stickers to put on his new rock climbing helmet. He loved all things related to the outdoors and to bike riding—and I know those of you who met him saw a kindred spirit. I was glad he got to spend some time here and to get to know this area—we tubed down the Truckee River, jumped off rocks in Tahoe, drank beer in Virginia City, stayed in Truckee, had tacos at Pnuematic, drinks at Polo Lounge. And my little brother is still fond of asking, “Where Joe?†To which he learned how to respond to his own question with “Tea-attle†for Seattle.
Joe was an incredible musician, a talented writer, a fierce and loyal friend, and excelled everything he did. Skiing was the one thing I could still beat him in, but he was gaining on me quickly. And he only started last year. He made me laugh and kept me calm—he was my rock, and I miss him.
He was going to join us on April 28th for the Grand Opening, and I know he’ll still be there with us—and I know he’s proud of us. A friend told me yesterday to breathe him into my organs and to keep him alive and keep him with me and I can’t think of a better way to maneuver this difficult path. We can do the same with Beau and Janin, and all the loved ones we’ve lost.
I know we don’t need any more reminders, but if there is any question in any of your minds any more of how truly precious life is—stamp it out. We all need to love each other and take care of each other, and we need to tell our people how much they mean to us. And most importantly, we need to live our lives and do all those things we talk about doing and be fearless and confident and full of hope and energy and love. Life is too short to do it any other way.
I love you Joe.
eagerlyawaiting
Apr 17, 2007 -
“…we need to live our lives and do all those things we talk about doing and be fearless and confident and full of hope and energy and love. Life is too short to do it any other way.”
You have always been that person in my eyes Brit, and I don’t see anything preventing you from being that person always, which is overwhelmingly inspiring. May the rock of your life be even stronger now than before…to remind you always of the commitments you have made to living everyday and to actively loving the people in people in your life.
You’re loved by many, me included.
aja
Apr 19, 2007 -
I second that eagerlyawaiting- You really have done an incredible thing making Holland happen. Joe was an amazing, incredible, kind and loving friend. He was so proud of you for all that you are.
We’ll get that PA to Reno!! I can’t wait to see the incredible space that you all have created. I love you B.
myflagisonfire
Apr 20, 2007 -
with love…
[C major E major F major G major
A m C major G major] – verse.
Tell me your last name, your last name, your last
name, your last name.
I’ll be strong for you, even know I’m shaking, this
whole day is a mess. Rather be living a side you,
then living at all. We know now that had lived has
lived. Stare and curl up in your eyes, slowly dream
away worries, hold tight and survive.
[C major E major F major F m] – choir
Feeling close to you.
Suddenly got serious, take what you need now, I’ll
wait for the waiting to stop. When you’re feeling
anxious and impatient, don’t give up the distance
we’ve walked. Enjoy what has been given you, search
for what has not given what feels all right to change,
by your side. I’m still on your side.
Feeling close to you.
{Bridge or ending} [ E major A m E major A
m E major F major G major / F major C
major – .]
Can’t compete with death so the memories hereafter
must give birth a future. Let all your best friend’s
ghosts absorb into your living, while you’re living.
I can’t wait to see you again.