Daniel Um

A shy & quiet little girl, Emma. It was such a beautiful day, the day that I met her for the first time, in June of 2009.

I took a great many pictures that day, but my one regret is that I didn’t take a picture of Emma.

We were up on the rooftop where she was living with her mom, Deanna, who is my boss & friend. One of our long time members (Karen) was being given a good-bye retirement party, and it was a ‘get to know’ Deanna party too, who was generously hosting after recently joining herself.

This video doesn’t contain a picture of Emma (my regret). It’s from that day, when I met her for the first time.

And now, good-bye to Alex. May you rest in peace.

I can’t stop thinking about that day… every time I watch I’m there:

Mar 25, 2016

AJ Jacobs

I'm a neighbor in Alex's building. I didn't get to know Alex well, but I just read the book in celebration of his life, and am amazed at what a vibrant an accomplished person he was. My son was always a big fan as well.

Mar 23, 2016

Angelica Sheffer

It was Easter Sunday about 10 years ago when the Sheffer family got the pleasure of being with our baby cousin. I loved showing you all of my toys and the joy of having a little friend to play with is something I'll cherish forever. Easter is about rebirth, and I wish you rebirth and peace in your new life Alex. You are forever in my heart. We always have and always will love you.

Angelica Sheffer

Mar 23, 2016

Dan Sheffer

Alex,

I have a lifetime of memories of you from such a short period of time. You brought our family great joy when you were born, and hearing of your passing has truly devastated me. I know your spirit will live on. Thinking back over the years I remember the day you were born and how everyone was so happy. I thought of a moment when my late dad held you that day you were born and how happy he was. I hadn't thought of that in many many years I thank you for that memory, I will never forget it and will never forget you. Wish we could've known each other better. Always in my heart.

All my love,
Daniel Sheffer

"Who's to say where the wind will take you
Who's to say what it is will break you
I don't know which way the wind will blow
Who's to know when the time's come around
Don't want to see you cry
I know that this is not goodbye" - U2

Mar 23, 2016

Kevin Riordan

I had the pleasure of teaching Alex this year. Alex was a delight to teach- always thanking me for the class, respectful, and vibrant indeed. I remember fondly our walks through Central Park, and Alex speaking positively of new and upcoming happenings in the world.

Mar 22, 2016

Angela Rubin

Mar 22, 2016

Donna Lee

Missing you - cousins forever!

4

Mar 22, 2016

Angela Rubin

Emma was always a welcome burst of energy in the office whenever she would visit Deanna. She was so smart, so funny, so sweet, and so perceptive - a true pleasure to be around. My keenest memory is when my husband and I visited Emma's Tae Kwon Do studio to watch her take one of her belt tests. To watch this sweet, fun kid turn into a focused machine was incredible. She wanted to be the best. My husband - a black belt in the style - loved watching it, and he and Emma chatted and chatted afterward, with Emma eagerly asking countless questions (including whether she could have ice cream before we had dinner, which turned out to be a no). She spoke just as passionately about the book series Warriors (about warrior cats, which I found fascinating). She talked about it endlessly and I couldn't get enough. To hear someone with that much excitement got me excited. She was talented, energetic, and special - she will be deeply missed.

Mar 21, 2016

Pam Li

Beautiful child, peace to you...

3

Mar 21, 2016

Sam Holmes

Our Emmaroo

Mar 21, 2016