When I contemplate the impact Reed McGregor had on me in the time I knew her, there are many descriptors I could use: unwaveringly caring, deeply empathetic, honest, and loving. Very seldom in my life did I feel I could speak extemporaneously and freely about my feelings or experiences and be met with empathy and objectivity. Reed was a person gifted with the natural inclination to not simply hear, but to actively and intently listen to others. Her presence during some of the darkest moments of my life were calming, like shelter. Particularly during these times, a period where I felt isolated and misunderstood, Reed would listen without judgment. That simple but powerful gesture still resonates with me today; people often need little more than to express themselves freely to others without fear of judgment. In a sense, the quiet strength and fight Reed exuded set an example for me to own my personal struggles and face them down. For that I will always have gratitude. In the good times, of which there were many, Reed contributed endless positivity and energy. Treasured moments like closing down the bar in downtown Toronto, where Alex, Reed and I barely drank anything because the conversation was captivating. Rather than dwelling on what was or what could have been, I will hold on to the plentiful moments of happiness and positivity and celebrate them endlessly. I urge anyone who knew Reed to do the same. Grief is a normal and inevitable process, but as Alex, one of Reed’s dearest friends and my wife-to-be always says, ‘I know Reed would want us to be happy, to remember the good, and move forward’.
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Reed, it pains me to accept that you are no longer here with us, but I take solace — as we all must — in the belief that our love for you can be felt across the void that impermanently separates us. While I was only bestowed the honor of your friendship for five years in this life, your impact on me will remain for the balance of time I have left on this Earth. I will personally seek to honor you in the ways I can, however large or small, whether it be by working to help others more often, or to use my voice to start a dialogue about important topics; your willingness and conviction to stand up for what is ‘right’ will live on. It is in times like these that we become acutely aware that life is not permanent, but love is eternal. We will, together, celebrate all of the love you gave during your life.
-Forrest
When I contemplate the impact Reed McGregor had on me in the time I knew her, there are many descriptors I could use: unwaveringly caring, deeply empathetic, honest, and loving. Very seldom in my life did I feel I could speak extemporaneously and freely about my feelings or experiences and be met with empathy and objectivity. Reed was a person gifted with the natural inclination to not simply hear, but to actively and intently listen to others. Her presence during some of the darkest moments of my life were calming, like shelter. Particularly during these times, a period where I felt isolated and misunderstood, Reed would listen without judgment. That simple but powerful gesture still resonates with me today; people often need little more than to express themselves freely to others without fear of judgment. In a sense, the quiet strength and fight Reed exuded set an example for me to own my personal struggles and face them down. For that I will always have gratitude. In the good times, of which there were many, Reed contributed endless positivity and energy. Treasured moments like closing down the bar in downtown Toronto, where Alex, Reed and I barely drank anything because the conversation was captivating. Rather than dwelling on what was or what could have been, I will hold on to the plentiful moments of happiness and positivity and celebrate them endlessly. I urge anyone who knew Reed to do the same. Grief is a normal and inevitable process, but as Alex, one of Reed’s dearest friends and my wife-to-be always says, ‘I know Reed would want us to be happy, to remember the good, and move forward’.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reed, it pains me to accept that you are no longer here with us, but I take solace — as we all must — in the belief that our love for you can be felt across the void that impermanently separates us. While I was only bestowed the honor of your friendship for five years in this life, your impact on me will remain for the balance of time I have left on this Earth. I will personally seek to honor you in the ways I can, however large or small, whether it be by working to help others more often, or to use my voice to start a dialogue about important topics; your willingness and conviction to stand up for what is ‘right’ will live on. It is in times like these that we become acutely aware that life is not permanent, but love is eternal. We will, together, celebrate all of the love you gave during your life.
-Forrest
