In the summer of 2017, I posted a request for book recommendations on Facebook. Luke sent me a private message in early August checking in on me, my young daughter, and wife…and to throw a few book recommendations my way. I often re-read this short Facebook messenger exchange, but that is not the point of this story.
Luke and I are on different ends of the political continuum, but I always felt we shared a similar openness to opposing ideas and healthy, respectful debate…viewing both as opportunities for expanding our personal lens and perspective. In that spirit, Luke passionately recommended a book written by a conservative US senator that he said had a profound influence on him as a father and young adult…he wanted to share it with me in hopes that I might be similarly impacted. I would never have sought this book out on my own due to my liberal/progressive leanings, but after Luke’s passing, I felt deeply compelled to read it in hopes of absorbing and implementing its lessons…it felt like a way to connect with Luke and continue to learn from him.
I loved the book. I gleaned many valuable insights that have broadened my worldview. What is most meaningful to me, however, is that this has shown me how Luke’s influence continues to ripple out into the world. My expanded perspective through his recommendation has impacted those in my circle, which subsequently impacts their circles, and so on. I love the idea that, in this way, Luke continues to positively influence those who know and love him, as well as those he never met.
Luke- you persist. You will always be an integral part of all of us.
I miss you, my friend.