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polychromatic) wrote2020-07-27 08:46 pm
polychromatic) wrote2020-07-27 08:46 pm
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We lost another classmate today.
While I don't know the circumstances exactly, we know that our classmate was in the ICU and was essentially declared brain-dead. His family made the decision to honour his wishes and will to donate his organs. His wife wanted us to know that he had struggled with depression for years and she had the unparalleled grace to worry about how we - his classmates - would accept the news about his loss.
When I saw the news posted on our Facebook page by a classmate I am particularly fond of, I burst into tears at work. I couldn't help sobbing and was somewhat relieved I was alone when I found out and took ten minutes to myself before seeking out a hug for comfort. One of my bosses asked if we were close and I had to say that while he wasn't a close friend, our class had been as close as 120 people can be. We saw each other on an almost daily basis for 4 years of our lives. We exchanged pleasantries, helped each other with assignments and studying, and celebrated our veterinary milestones together.
I wasn't particularly close to Julian through vet school, but I do remember that he was one of the first people I met during our Orientation Week and the feeling of mutual relief that we were not the only ones over the age of 21. He was soft-spoken, gentle, and funny, and I remember his very clear affection when talking about his then-girlfriend and their shared cats. I remember the tight-knit friendship that developed between him, Atsuko, and Rosanna and how they often were found together.
I will admit that I was somewhat alienated by how strongly vocal he became after transitioning to a vegan outlook. But as combative and inflammatory as he was online, he continued to be the soft-spoken, gentle classmate in-person. I understand that he wanted to speak for those he recognized as voiceless, and wanted our animal charges across the board to be afforded the same protection and dignity.
I cannot imagine what his loved ones are going through. I only know that I feel his loss the same way I did with Flynn. When my co-workers kindly asked how I was doing, if my class seemed to be coping okay, I said "The last time this happened..." and then stopped and sighed as the meaning of those words started to sink in.
I hope very much that Julian has found his peace.
While I don't know the circumstances exactly, we know that our classmate was in the ICU and was essentially declared brain-dead. His family made the decision to honour his wishes and will to donate his organs. His wife wanted us to know that he had struggled with depression for years and she had the unparalleled grace to worry about how we - his classmates - would accept the news about his loss.
When I saw the news posted on our Facebook page by a classmate I am particularly fond of, I burst into tears at work. I couldn't help sobbing and was somewhat relieved I was alone when I found out and took ten minutes to myself before seeking out a hug for comfort. One of my bosses asked if we were close and I had to say that while he wasn't a close friend, our class had been as close as 120 people can be. We saw each other on an almost daily basis for 4 years of our lives. We exchanged pleasantries, helped each other with assignments and studying, and celebrated our veterinary milestones together.
I wasn't particularly close to Julian through vet school, but I do remember that he was one of the first people I met during our Orientation Week and the feeling of mutual relief that we were not the only ones over the age of 21. He was soft-spoken, gentle, and funny, and I remember his very clear affection when talking about his then-girlfriend and their shared cats. I remember the tight-knit friendship that developed between him, Atsuko, and Rosanna and how they often were found together.
I will admit that I was somewhat alienated by how strongly vocal he became after transitioning to a vegan outlook. But as combative and inflammatory as he was online, he continued to be the soft-spoken, gentle classmate in-person. I understand that he wanted to speak for those he recognized as voiceless, and wanted our animal charges across the board to be afforded the same protection and dignity.
I cannot imagine what his loved ones are going through. I only know that I feel his loss the same way I did with Flynn. When my co-workers kindly asked how I was doing, if my class seemed to be coping okay, I said "The last time this happened..." and then stopped and sighed as the meaning of those words started to sink in.
I hope very much that Julian has found his peace.