Earlier today while I was at the Lourdes in a Day –a spiritual encounter for those who senior, sick or in some way in need of healing– sponsored by the Order of Malta-CT North East Area– at St Peter Claver Church (West Hartford), I learned of a friend’s sudden death. Fr. Chris Ford and I were chatting about the day and I brought up that a friend, who had been at Lourdes in a Day last year, and benefitted from the experience, missed this year because he was to start a new chapter in his life at Thomas Aquinas College. Fr. Chris interrupted me to say that John died. His funeral was last week. I was –and continue to be– in shock and dismay: how could this happen?
John Kozak’s obit is here. It is a nicely composed biography of a young man whose life came to a tragic and unexpected end at 24 as a consequence of mental illness. He did not commit suicide. The death, as I understand it, was an accident. It was a struggle that encircled him, challenging is ability to find meaning and expression. John was a genius, he eager to have a conversation, he desired to be in relationship with the Lord. He was a good kid.
Pray for John’s eternal rest in the Lord’s arms. Pray for John’s family and friends who mourn him.
I am grateful for John’s friendship.