Rest in Peace, Ian Andrew Greenblatt

Today, instead of writing a traditional post, I would like to take the opportunity to publicly pay tribute to one of my dear friends who is no longer with us.

Yesterday, June 28th marked the 5-year anniversary of one of the saddest days of my life. On June 28th, 2004, Ian Andrew Greenblatt (pictured above) was killed in a car accident in New York City. Ian had just graduated from my high school, The Rivers School, with the Class of 2004. I played soccer with Ian for 3 years while at Rivers, and year after year we grew closer as friends. I always viewed Ian as somewhat of a mentor. Not only was Ian a year older than I was, but he embodied many personal traits that I myself wanted to make a part of my character. Ian's personality blended selflessness, integrity, compassion, humor, honesty, and genuine kindness. I have memories of Ian making our whole team laugh with his hilarious stories, and I also remember more serious moments in which he would give me advice about anything from girls to school to general life lessons. Ian carried himself with the utmost dignity and pride and his character was a magnetic one that people just gravitated toward. Ian's smile and laugh would light up an entire room and it was simply impossible not to laugh after hearing him explode into fits of laughter that sometimes would last what felt like forever.

It blows my mind that it has been 5 years since Ian passed, it seems like it was just yesterday that we were running around on the soccer field together with the rest of the team. Not a day goes by when I don't think about Ian. He was a simply extraordinary person who had a great impact on my life and his memory continues to leave its lasting impression on me each and every day. He affected so many people's lives in a positive way while he was with us and has changed the way that I live my life today. I appreciate every day that I have on this earth now more than ever, and know that he is looking down on us all with his glowing smile. I love you Ian, and miss you every day. May you continue to rest in peace.

Until next time...