To say I am shocked is an understatement. He was a sweet, talkative, funny and kind man. I worked with him for 5 years.

From the jump, he made me feel included (as did all of my colleagues at that job) and always made it a point to tell me I needed to "slow down." I'd come marching down the hallway in my cowboy boots to turn in my service logs and he'd shout "slow down, Neda" or "Ms. Levi, slow down." I would stop at his office and he’d remind me to not take things so seriously. To stop and smell the roses. I really appreciated that he cared about me and my wellbeing. He knew how hard the job was. He always made it a point to tell me what an asset I was.

We’d walk to our cars after work and sometimes we’d talk for 20 + minutes afterwards. He was a renaissance man of sorts. He knew about so many things. Most topics were above my ability to comprehend, but I like to think that he enjoyed having someone listen to him. I pray that I made him feel like he mattered.

I’ve had bouts with crying since I heard the news.  The day I heard, I went to a restorative yoga class and Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door came on. One of my all-time favorite songs. How aperpoe.

He was young and lived his life to the fullest. In his honor, I am going to try and do the same from this point on, and maybe try and slow down at work. My work will always be there tomorrow. My coworkers may not. The only thing that matters is how I show up every day - taking a step back while still giving it my all, and with making self care more of a practice. I’d like to think he’d be proud.

I’m crying as I write this. He left such an indelible mark on my heart. I will always hold him in my thoughts and in my memories. Goodbye to you, dearest Lester. I’ll always be thinking of you, each and every time I wear my cowboy boots. 🤍