The first time I met Maddy was when his mom, Jordana, one of my favorite humans in the world came to bring me a housewarming gift after the purchase of our home near theirs in South Boulder. Jordana had hired me after receiving my masters in social work. She was my boss, a big wig from California, working at the Mental Health Center of Boulder County (now MHP). She hired me the day before 9/11. She called me the morning of 9/11 and we watched the news in horror. Jordana then guided me on how to support preschool sights in Boulder County- talking to staff and parents about terrorism in 2001. A few months later she came by with warm brownies, a garden hose, and a wicker laundry basket; the perfect gifts. I have to run, Maddy is in the car, she told me. As we walked to the front yard, there is 6 or 7 year old Maddy ON TOP of the van, hanging out casually. "Get off of the top of the van" she said with a chuckle very nonchalantly. Oh this relationship is going to be fine I told myself as I watched and learned from this woman on how to be a supportive, loving mother. Jordana adored this boy, always telling funny stories about him, eagerly being the president of Mesa's PTO creating a strong lasting parent community at his elementary school, despite working full-time and heading a department at work. "Real Men Wear Pink" or something along those lines, he campaigned while confidently wearing pink. Creating his own summer camps for kids in the summer with a schedule, snack, and everything carefully planned out. I couldn't wait to have kids and have them be in his camp. He babysat for my friends sons, bringing laughter and smiles to anyone he encountered. Friends with his 8th grade teacher, Mr. Crandall who still fondly remembers Maddy clearly even the paper he wrote so many years ago. 20 years later I've heard some of his amazing adventures and uber cool accomplishments, bragging to my other friends about him. Jordana and Oliver became my mentors in parenting, and their family is one I strive for my own to be like in any small way. All of my love and deepest sympathy to Jordana, Oliver, Shayna, Hanna and his family (aunts, cousins) and many friends. What an incredibly special human loved all over the world by everyone he met. I too am inspired by him and will work hard to live up to his ideals. And I will look up in the stars at night to find him as his spirit will continue to shine over us all.
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