A Good-Bye to a Great Young Man

About one year ago, a young man named Jeremy Babyak came to our house to set up our saltwater fish tank. He was very knowledgeable and gave me the confidence to get things going well. Over the next year, we frequented the store often and Jeremy was always there to give us great advice. I didn't know anything about him personally, but could tell he was a good guy and was always kind to my kids who thought he was pretty cool.

Well, last night someone told me that someone who works at that store, died in a house fire this week. They said he was young and was set to become the manager of the store as the owners (who happen to live next-door to my parents) were opening a new store elsewhere. I asked if his name was Jeremy and they said yes.

Now, I know a lot more about Jeremy's personal life and my judgment of the 19 year-old was right. According to this article in my local paper, he had a bit of a rough upbringing and was working to support him and his brother. The owner of the store (my parent's neighbor) is quoted in the article as saying, "His first paycheque, he brought his brother a pair of shoes."

His brother made it out of the fire, wearing only his shorts and that's all he now has. A 12-year old girl also died in the fire and her older sister is suffering from burns to 50 percent of her body.

It's so sad and shocking...I just don't know what else to say.