Jeric

I know that this community was not his pony home. That was FiMFiction, but his impact on me was profound. 

Last night, one of my closest friends, Josh known here and on FiMFiction as @Level Dasher, passed away surrounded by his family. His impact on so many people is becoming more and more evident as even those with the slightest passing interaction are recounting the small kindnesses and displays of authenticity. 

As a young child, he underwent a heart transplant. As an adult he received his second, and earned his nickname “2nd Hearted Hero”. I used to make Dr Who jokes with him the whole time. He battled a schwannoma and won. He battled leukemia and won. No matter what he dealt with in the past, and knowing his life was not going to be blessed with longevity, Josh always made it his mission to enjoy the world and make the people he met feel like they mattered more. He treated any of his friend’s most trivial complaints with genuine empathy. 

He never complained himself. He carried himself with an unmatched dignity and grace. He never had an unkind word for anyone. He would let his neighbors know when he was going to the grocery store so they could save a trip. For all people endeavoring to lead lives filled with kindness and positivity, he left behind a beautiful template to follow. 

Grief and I are well acquainted friends at this point. I see it now as life’s way of giving you a receipt for having cared about a person. I was lucky to have known him, and to have him a my closest group of friends. 

His spirit, his heart, his soul were absolutely bigger on the inside. 

In one of his hospital visits this last Christmas. A few of his friends chatted with him on Discord. In his own words, “ I bet nobody rocks a flannel tuxedo better than this!”

He was the fifth member of our “Fellowship” of friends. His loss will be felt tremendously. 

Josh, you were an amazing human being. Thank you for being you for the time I was able to call you my friend.

https://www.fimfiction.net/blog/1012529/level-dasher-health-update

Please do not reach out to me here or Discord with condolences. Those efforts can be best placed on trying to emulate one of the kindest men I’ve known. Be kind, be generous, be loyal, be honest, find the humor around you. Make your life and others experiences filled with Magic.