Sunday, October 17, 2021
Ethan was a student at North Shore High School.
My mother had volunteered to cater one of the high school plays and was struggling to set up the tables and platters of dinner for the students. The other mothers were not present or helpful. The stage manager and director of the play had told members of the high school student stage and lighting crew to help my mother set up, but whether it was because they were too busy, or just not interested, or unaware - they failed to do so… except for Ethan.
My mother recalls how Ethan graciously helped her with food from her car - holding the door open for her, even engaging in a bit of lighthearted banter since he recognized that she was overwhelmed and disillusioned by what was supposed to be a collaborative team effort. This was what was so unique about Ethan - he could identify the most vulnerable person in a room and relate to them, comfort them, and leave an impression that to this day sticks with my mother and me.
I didn’t know Ethan well when we were in school, he was a few years older than me, but when I think of this memory, it reminds me of the kind of guy who Ethan truly was. A kind, gentle soul who will be missed forever.
