I didn’t know you for that long. I didn’t know you that well. But I remember your presence and your energy and your smile and positivity and your passion and your capacity for fun. So I figured I would write something since your life touched mine as well.
we met in europe in 2013 or 2014. I live in California and you said you spent time there at cal poly SLO so my friends and I immediately hit it off with you and for a few days we shared that experience together. you were one of those guys that I met and didn’t forget. You were the life of the party. The kind of guy that I wanted to be like.
we stayed connected through Instagram and I was always happy to see that you were doing well. Of course you were.
Although I only knew you for a week, but I felt like if I really needed help I could ask you for it and you would treat me like you would a long time friend. You just had that vibe. That kind of unconditional compassion for people.
I want to express my deepest sympathy to your family and your friends. Your life made an undoubtable impact on the world. Your memory lives on in my heart.
until our paths meet again, Maddy.
“The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long”
-Lao Tzu
Dear Kirby,
This is a really beautiful sentiment, thank you. I'm so glad you also got to experience Maddy's light. I'm writing a quick note to you now because you mentioned that you live in California, and we are going to have a small gathering for Maddy in Lompoc, CA shortly. The occasion is SpaceX (Maddy's old employer) launching a rocket which has an engraving dedicated to Maddy inside. My family and I, some extended family, and many of Maddy's friends (and colleagues) are all going to watch it launch at Lompoc on October 12th. (That date could be pushed back slightly if they change it in the next couple days, but hopefully not!) We will be in Lompoc for five days, and will be inviting people over probably the evening before and the day of the launch for story-telling, etc. I wanted to invite you and let you know you're very welcome too, if you have the time, means, etc.
Either way, thank you again for your words. If there are any specific memories big or small that you would like to share at any time, we would love to hear them.
Sending love from Berlin,
Hanna (one of Maddy's big sisters)
Thank you for sharing your memories of Maddy. Even though you only knew each other for a short time, your remembrance captured the essence of this amazing human. Take care of yourself.