Until we see you again one day, do not stand at his grave and weep. Instead, remember him and give to the world and the people around you the way Alex did. Whether it's a hand up, or a handout, a kind gesture, or kind words. Each day you step out the door, try taking a little bit of Alex with you.

It is not growing like a tree

In bulk, doth make a man better be;

Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,

To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere.

A lily of a day

Is fairer far in May;

Although it fall and die that night,

It was the plant and flower of light.

In small proportions, we just beauties see,

And in short measures, life may perfect be.

(Ben Johnson)

Alex Johnson, tall, handsome, kind-hearted, adventuresome, SMART

Captured in certainty the essence of our heart.

Like the "lily of a day"

Left us all too soon

But, not before leaving a legacy of lasting love.

Alex was his own person, his own drummer

Who accomplished his own goals

In his own time

At his own pace.

Find Alex! the charge was given,

And indeed we always shall

As we close our eyes, open our hearts,

And search the memories all of us have.

By the murmuring neighborhood creek

Neath the star-studded skies

Enjoyable youthful boyhood trysts with frogs and night creatures

In our memories lie.

Listen for the pound of his little feet in youthful sport endeavors

Hear the sideline cheers of

Parents and sister

In their hearts present then, and forever.

Watch closely for his Sunday Church visits

As he quietly makes his way to be seated

Among family, friends

And fellow parishioners

Watch intently as he takes his frozen-in-time place among

Greenwood High School National Honor Society Inductees, and

Greenwood High School graduates.

Find his name among the scroll of graduates from Transylvania University.

Find Alex among the animals he loved and cared for

And whose care he painstakingly administered. 

Find Alex in place at the holiday table of family and friends

Whose company and presence he enjoyed "to no end."

Remember the tilt of his chin

When he brought cherished friends home for all to enjoy.

The food he was superb at preparing

Learned from his place of employ.

Find Alex in the eyes, smiles, and hearts and cheers

(Void fame, fortune and wealth)

Of the Guatemalan people for whom he volunteered

Summer after summer to help nurse back to health.

Find Alex with little sister Cayce, look at them with joy

Enjoying summer water sports

Each other, the great outdoors, and occasional cohorts.

Nature's call continuously beckoned them.

Find Alex in the hearts, on the minds, and in the efforts

Of the numerous vigils, and fundraisers,

And on the untold of numbers of warm comments

Made to the Facebook page specifically designed for him.

Alex, we hardly knew you, but in age only, as your mild-mannered, kind-hearted generosity and huge capacity for compassion has touched and changed us all forever. Without becoming "dry, bald, and sere" as the proverbial old oak tree, you shall be forever young in the thoughts, hearts, and memories of all whom you've touched. 

--A. Townsend, former GHS NHS sponsor