Good night, Sweet Prince

I'm afraid I have some bad news.  My former student Dominic Downey died last week.  He was twenty-three.  Dominic was a bright, creative, energetic, and fun human being.  I'm not going to blabber on too much about this.  He wouldn't have wanted that.  Last spring he hiked down Enchanted Rock with me and we discussed the idea of happiness.  He shared with me a memory of his from when he was young and just received a new skateboard for Christmas.  Dominic told me how he went outside with some friends that afternoon, new skateboard under his arm, and how he felt that he was so happy right then and there.  He said it was one of those moments you try to hold onto.  Dominic was wise for such a young guy.  Happiness is always fleeting.  Happiness is precious.  May we all remember those good happy moments.  Those short good times.

Goodbye, Dominic.  You'll be missed.

Dominic Downey-- 1992-2016. This picture is at Enchanted Rock. Dominic is in the purple shirt to my right.