Henry,
You were seven when you came to visit us at our apartment on one particularly memorable occasion. As always, you were filled with unbridled energy that your parents tirelessly tried to steer in constructive directions. To give you something to do, your mom and I asked you to help out by taking your little brother’s dirty diaper to the trash. I guided you down the hall to the outside stairwell. I opened the door, pointed to the trash chute and said “Throw it in there.” You looked at me, wide-eyed and grinning, and without hesitation wound up like you were pitching a baseball and launched the diaper into the air and onto the roof of the building next door.
As it happens, our kitchen window looks out onto that roof, so for years when we were washing the dishes or filling a water glass, we would look out, see that diaper and think of you. Classic Henry, always doing something wild and unexpected and leaving a lasting impression that keeps us shaking our heads and chuckling. We will always remember your spontaneity, free-spiritedness, smiling face, and willingness to help no matter the job.
We will always love you Henry
Peter, Gretchen & Gage