Blogging from 30,000 ft above somewhere in the Midwest...
Yesterday I Attended the Funeral of a Man I Did Not Know and His Name Was Curt.
What do you know about the wall behind me in this photo? Probably nothing
except for recognizing the complimentary colors that blend to make a warm
composition. That’s exactly how I felt yesterday sitting with my wife in the
choir stand of Angeles Mesa Presbyterian Church (Crenshaw). I gazed out at the amity
of yellow, brown, and red faces that made up the congregation. But I knew
nothing about the despondent people seated before me. It was sad but beautiful
at the same time. I looked further and saw more people that continued to enter
through the rear of the sanctuary looking to rest weary hearts and feet. There was standing room only.
It is a humbling experience to attend the funeral of a man whom you do not
know. Curt may be the smartest person that I have never met. Beloved by his
family Curt seemed to be the glue that held them altogether. I learned more
about his life as I read the obituary and listened to the words of his friends
and family recount memories. Curt was a jovial man – a man of honor - a shining
star. He had an affable personality. Everyone loved Curt. He was a family man. When
he was younger he used to have back problems. After his mother investigated the
condition she found that he was carrying encyclopedias to school in his
backpack to read during lunch. Curt was determined. He wanted to learn. He read the Bible, Torah, and the
Koran. Curt reached for his goals. He grew up an elite athlete. Curt was a role
model. He changed his major to History and then eventually became a doctor. Curt
died suddenly from a heart attack after running on a treadmill overlooking Lake
Michigan. He used to tell others that he found peace near water and that
running was his time to commune with God.
I struggled to rationalize why this perfect soul was taken at the age of 31. I
glanced every once and a while back at Curt’s family during the service and I
started living their emotions. Pain and Peace - Hope and Heartache -
Anticipation and Acceptance. I thought about one of my best friends (Felix)
that I lost at the age of 19 and how I had coped. Curt was not my friend but
had we met we probably could have been. God rest his soul.
Let’s return to the wall in the photo. This wall could have existed before any
of us did. It may have been a different color or the sum of its parts
transported from a different location. The wall was destined to be recognized
by me at this time. I leaned on the wall and pondered these thoughts. I touched
the wall at its different sections. I thought about how a family should connect
the boundaries of our lives. I thought about Curt’s family. I am reminded today
of the love I have for my family. For the blessing it is to be one of seven
children born to my parents. For the sacrifices my parents made for me to take
my first steps. For the days and weeks and years they went without to nourish a
young mind yearning for knowledge. For values instilled in a man destined to be
a traveling photographer - telling stories to be viewed and recapitulated by
thousands. When I shoot, write and then publish it comes to mind that I am not
just one of seven but I am one in a global family of billions. Connecting to
others is essential to my growth.
The story of Curt's life blessed me beyond measure and I am grateful that my wife asked me to join her for the service of her friend. We did not come to LA just for the service but found out that coincidentally the funeral was on the same weekend. Its astonishing how all things happen for a reason.
I pray that the impact of this story has made an impression on your heart and that you will communicate with the ones you love.

Yesterday I Attended the Funeral of a Man I Did Not Know by Ross Oscar Knight
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