In memoriam

Posted by High Priestess Kang as Sweden

It is with a very heavy heart that I share some tragic news.  The body of John Aherne has been recovered from the waters of Stockholm.  I, along with many, find myself at a loss for words.

I have never met John.  Nor have I met Karl in person.  However, one doesn’t really need to meet people face to face to develop a bond with them, to care about them, to bring them into one’s heart and love them, support them.

I think of the cliche, “You are judged by the company you keep.”  In this particular instance, after spending several days interacting with the friends and family of John Aherne, I am certain that John was a marvelous creature.  A wonderful man with a giant heart.  The photographs I have seen depict a man with an endearing smile and a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.  I am also certain that John’s friends, family and Karl are of the same cloth.  Wonderful.  Caring.  Endearing.  Kind.

There are neither words nor actions which can ease the pain, protect the suffering from grief and offer some sort of comfort.  There is no magic wand.  There is no way to und0 what has happened.  We, as a community, are rendered helpless, overcome with sadness at the loss of a promising, young life.

At this point in time, we can only take refuge in knowing that we have he will forever live in our memories, having touched everyone in such unique ways. 

Rest in peace, John.

Bless the Ahernes, friends and Karl.