A Tribute to Our Superman
It is impossible to convey how special Austin was in a few paragraphs. I wish that everyone just had a chance to know and love him, and I will be forever grateful that I did, along with so many others.
To know Austin was to love him. From the moment he was born to the moment we had to say “Goodbye” way too early, he lit up our lives and was absolutely adored.
I wanted to share just a few things that made Austin – AUSTIN.
His life was not easy. He endured some very hard experiences in life that were unfair and wrong, but that also shaped him into the miracle he was. Despite these experiences, he was still kind and loving. It didn’t change him and he kept loving hard. He really was the best of us.
He had the most amazing laugh. It was hilarious and he shared it often to the joy of us all. His laugh was always funnier than the thing that sparked it and it was contagious. I don’t think that I could ever forget that sound.
Along with that, Austin was a little trickster. He loved playing jokes and scaring people. He was just so much fun. He was the life of the party and had no problem letting go of his inhibitions. He would dance and sing and if you were with Austin, you knew you were in for a good time.
Music was a huge, important part of his life and even as a young boy, he wanted to be a rapper. Eminem was his very favorite and he was always working on his own lyrics and filled notebooks with his rhymes. We will all be blaring his music the rest of our days.
Relationships were so important to Austin. It was evident in the way he treated you and with the things he would keep close in his heart. Strangers became friends everywhere he went. You could always count on him to be a listening ear and he loved with the most genuine type of love and understanding. He was the biggest hype-man and took joy in cheering for the people he loved most – especially his family. Anyone who knew Austin knows that he gave THE BEST hugs. He had strong, broad shoulders and would hang on tight. He never let go first. We would do anything to get another one of those hugs.
Finally, he took care of people. He was protective of his family and friends. This trait continued to grow his whole life. His most recent job was at an Assisted Living Center where he bonded and cared for residents nearing the end of their lives. The residents adored him. Their families adored him and I know that when he passed, he was greeted by a multitude of people, including those he had cared for. I remember when Austin was 18 and he told me he signed up to be a donor. He was very proud of that and it brings us comfort to know that even in death, he is still doing what he did best – helping others.
Now that Austin is gone, I have been contemplating on how to honor him, remember him and make him proud. Since this site is specific to the gift of donation through sight, I share a few hopes for his donation recipient as well as his family and friends.
While his beautiful soul is in heaven, I hope that Austin’s eyes help you to:
*See the good in others.
*See when you have made a mistake that you need to make right.
*See opportunities for mischief and the perfect times for a great scare or practical joke.
*See when it is time to forgive (especially yourself).
*Watch all the Marvel/Justice League Movies (He will always be our Superman).
*See and appreciate Earth’s beauty – ESPECIALLY when you are at the ocean or a lake.
*See beyond yourself. Who needs your help, and what you can do to help. They probably need a hug.
Austin, 25 years was not nearly long enough. We miss you so badly – it hurts so much. We will not forget you and will try to make you proud. We know you are right here with us. Love you forever!
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