Jas Before

Jas
Originally uploaded by thegreatplotnik.

There are some things that defy common sense. Here is Jasper, smiling. And now, below, here is Jasper -- in the beautiful obituary his Dad, Plotnik's old pal David, wrote for his boy yesterday.

Please read this -- and then someone have the kindness to tell Plotnik how people can be so positive, so spiritual, so uplifting at a time when it might seem, to some, that God's Benighted Finger has been pointed in their direction?

Dave wrote: "Our world has lost a wonderful being. Jasper Mountain Lecht, 24 yrs. young, lost his battle with cancer April 14th, 2006. Surrounded by a sea of his loved ones, he went peacefully with a smile on his face at 7:56 pm. After a fiercely waged 16-month struggle, his passing was a relief from his suffering, and, in his words, "Going to a big quiet nap in the Sky".

He was a devoted son who leaves behind parents Patty Lecht-Bluefield, David
Bluefield and Eric Lecht, his beloved Ashley Ellis, and more buddies than
can be imagined. He was kind and gentle, with a great sense of humor, and, most importantly, he had the rare innate ability to respect everyone he ever came into contact with. He understood as a young man what some of us may never know: how to live compassionately from your heart.

His was a soul that had to leave early for reasons unknown to us. Those wishing to honor him can live life to the fullest, be well and happy, do great things and think of him often."