"i like you"

you know you're weird when you read obituaries like they're entertainment! my mom called me to read me this obituary (she's been reading obituaries since i can remember - i guess i get my weirdness from her). anyhoo, as she read it to me, i couldn't help but cry. wouldn't the world be a better place if we all acted a bit more like jeremy? what if you told someone that you liked them because you truly did or brought your neighbors' garbage cans in every week just because. maybe instead of listening to our ipods in silence, we should all sing outloud as we ride bikes and go on runs!

Jeremy John GILROY Jeremy John Gilroy, 37, died December 11, 2011, in Seattle. Jeremy lived loudly. The fiery redhead was born in Oswego,N.Y., to Jack and Helene Gilroy. He was joined two years later by sister Kristen. Jeremy spent most of his life in the Seattle area. He grew up in Issaquah, surrounded by loving friends and a nurturing community. He rode his bike for hours and hours every day, singing at the top of his lungs. He paid daily visits to many of his neighbors, and followed the garbage truck around Squak Mountain so he could put away the trash cans of everyone who lived in a 3-mile radius. He loved dogs and little kids, Matchbox cars, stickers and sidewalk chalk, and annual trips to Ocean Shores. Everyone who knew Jer well remembers his infectious laugh and has a great story about him. Jeremy was a graduate of Issaquah High School. He had several jobs, most recently at Auburn Volkswagen. He liked going to work and was never shy about making friends and saying whatever was on his mind (often it was "I like you"). He helped us live more compassionately and joyfully. Jeremy's family would like to thank those who helped him through his last year of life. In his memory, please consider a donation to Special Olympics (www.specialolympicswashington.org) or the Sibling Support Project (www.siblingsupport.org) at 6512 23rd Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117. We'll gather to remember his life at 11 a.m. Jan. 7, St. Madeleine Sophie Church, 4000 130th Place S.E., Bellevue.