Tribute to a Lost Friend

I had another post planned for today. But yesterday morning I received some heartbreaking news that has me thinking and reflecting on the impact that just one person can make.

One of my oldest childhood friends has left this world. 

We grew up more like family than friends as our families are very close. In fact, he spent so much time at my house with my brothers and I, that both of our families started to call him by our last name instead of his. And of course, as brothers do, they would tease us quietly that we would get married one day.

Though we hadn’t been in touch very often for many years, I watched from afar how he lit the world up with his art and with his smile. If one person can have an impact on so many just by being completely himself, Hesh was that person.

He was always such a kind and sweet soul… even as little kids. He was the one that was always there to help, always looking out for the people around him.

In more recent years he became known as the artist that chalked hearts all over New York City. And that’s just so typical. He had the biggest heart and he just had to share it.

I would always see posts on my social media feeds from people that I had no idea were connected to him - from random friends & acquaintances to musicians & celebrities- posting photos with him and photos of his hearts. He just drew people in.

I think I’m still processing that he’s gone. Perhaps that’s why I felt compelled to write and share this. 

But more than anything, he was just such a beautiful example of how one person can have such a big impact by being so authentically themselves. And that’s worth sharing.

He embodied love, he embodied the power of art to connect, and he embodied kindness.

Heshy, you touched more hearts than you could ever draw.

We will carry you in ours always.

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍