So much death. So many visitations and funerals.
Not necessarily writing and reporting about such occurrences — though that happened too. But they invaded my humble little journalism sphere all too often in 2017.
That’s my takeaway from this year.
So much death. So many visitations and funerals.
A profound sense of loss permeated November.
Times correspondent Chuck Elias. His presence brightened the RailCats press box. His passion for the JCY summer camp was amazing.
Katherine Hanlon, the mother of Times reporter Steve Hanlon.
John F. O’Malley, the father of Post-Tribune correspondent John O’Malley.
Jeff Washburn, the renowned Lafayette-area sports writer. It always brought a smile to my face when both Wash and I wore our blue shirts to a Purdue game. One could only hope to be a fraction of the talented, dedicated, enthusiastic pro and kind, generous, genuine person.
I didn’t know Mrs. Hanlon or Mr. O’Malley. But reading and hearing about their lives was simply inspiring. How do people accomplish so much and affect so many?
We lost photographer Danny Shelton in January. Always enjoyed crossing paths with “The Governor” in the ARC media room.
We lost photographer Jim Karczewski in August. Found out about his passing while covering a RailCats game, as fate would have it. Was in a fog the rest of that night — had no idea about a single detail from that game or what was written about. But I do know Big Jim’s work made my stories better and he made that press box more fun — times about a million on both counts.
Please ease the grief of anyone suffering.
Isn’t there a line about the only time we see certain people is at weddings or funerals? With funerals, you wish it were under wholly different circumstances. But being able to catch up is a blessing (and makes you think about how you should keep in better communication throughout).
And you knew it already, but in case you needed a reminder as you interacted with friends and colleagues in a different context, the petty competition and perceived slights are inconsequential.
This profession, this industry, has been dealing with all sorts of issues, and they’re ongoing. But I have met so many unbelievably wonderful people through it along the way. Again, proud to call so many not only colleagues, but also friends.
Man, when I think about the people we’ve lost over the years at this newspaper alone, some at cruelly young ages, it sears my heart with pain. On top of the losses from which a shattered heart never recovers, no matter how hard you try.
But the human spirit possesses such resilience too.
Just a few days ago, hearing stories about Froebel graduate and Texas Western icon Orsten Artis was nothing short of uplifting. I learned so much about him as friends and family members spoke about his character and courage, his kindness and compassion.
With a dopey reporter on the line asking about a dear person they just lost, how do people speak with such affection and eloquence, express treasured memories so vividly? Probably best to just shut up and listen.
Had similar feelings all around in March too, when former West Side coach Ivory “Ike” Brown passed. Just listen and learn as people who are hurting are still willing to take the time to share.
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To be sure, there were sad moments throughout 2017.
But it’s the love and strength and general goodness and decency — the light — that grows out of the darkness that I will carry into 2018.
Twitter @MichaelOsipoff