Stephen Kalis

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August 25, 2021 · via mobile

Stephen was one of my closest friends at Aquarium Adventure, and knowing him was one of the greatest blessings of my life; I called him my brother, and I truly loved him as such. At a time I needed it most, he sought to understand me and he showed me... moreStephen was one of my closest friends at Aquarium Adventure, and knowing him was one of the greatest blessings of my life; I called him my brother, and I truly loved him as such. At a time I needed it most, he sought to understand me and he showed me boundless compassion; he sought the goodness of my heart, and in doing so, showed me the Greatness in his heart. He was the truest of friends. He showed me that my life is too short to live in fear, because people will show me compassion, and he showed me that my life is too short to live in anger, because there is love all around us. Stephen was a hero who had long abandoned his cape in favor of a blue polo and khaki pants!

He was my Secret Santa one year, and I will NEVER forget how the sly devil got his ideas for what to get for me: he got me talking about cars, and about the engines I liked, which got me talking about my FIAT always burning oil, to which he asked, “oh, what kind of oil does it use?” Later on, he asked me “Caleb, what’s a really manly drink to order at a bar?” I told him it was Guinness, but there were so many others to choose from. Then Christmas came, and I got three amazing gifts from Stephen: motor oil, a six pack of Guinness, and a hug!

I remember how much discomfort Stephen felt with physical affection when it came to hugs, and they were a rare event. Things that are rare always hold great value: a shooting star, gold, an old Ferrari, but for me, a hug from Stephen was greater than all of these; each hug he had given me was such a precious gift. He hugged me when I thought my father had cancer. He hugged me when I gave him the save-the-date for my wedding, and he hugged me on the last day I saw him. I will always cherish each of these moments.

There are always things that we regret when we lose someone so precious: Did I call enough? What was so important that I couldn’t be bothered to send that text? Why didn’t I check in with him? While these thoughts and regrets make my heart burn, I will NEVER regret knowing Stephen, nor will I regret the card I gave him telling how much he meant to me, and that at least gives me some peace right now.

The pain, sorrow and tears have not yet gone away, but I know that one day it will be better. Life is an unending chain of moments; some happy, some sad, and many that fall somewhere in between. People come into our lives; people go from our lives. Each person changes who we are, be it a little, or a lot. Stephen, you have forever changed me. You have helped me be a kinder, more compassionate and better man. Thank you so much for being a brother to me. I love you, I miss you, and God Bless You. less

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August 23, 2021

Stephen, I'll miss your sense of humor. No matter how hard I tried not to, I always ended up laughing at your jokes. You were able and willing to help and your steady work motivated me. Thank you for everything.

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August 22, 2021

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