Luke has always been a lot of things to a lot of people, including me.
The title “best friend’s brother” can go in many directions, but Luke wore it well.
Over the years, I spent so much time in Pitkin with Laura and her family, and Luke is tucked into so many memories—as much of the setting as the fish hatchery or the 45-minute drive or the bear hide on the wall.
I’m not sure if it’s because we were so cool or because Pitkin was so sparse (I choose to believe the former), but it always felt like a gift that Luke hung out with us—even when we teased him relentlessly about girls and sports and his taste in music.
Laura and I used to scheme about the ways we could join each other’s families officially. Most of our brothers were inappropriately older, so we settled on a Luke-and-Savannah match, so that some day we could be sisters. Of course, that plan would never be feasible because:
a) we never filled him in,
b) if he ever asked, I’d deny it vehemently, and
c) Luke was too much of a brother figure himself.
As we got a little older, I saw Luke’s real power through his interactions with others. It was simple, yet both effective and infectious:
He was nice.
Not only did I have a built-in friend with advice and camaraderie, he was that way for anyone who needed it. Luke blended in and out of different groups without much of an agenda other than to share a laugh or a high five or spend time outside. He checked in on people—making them feel seen and heard and special.
When I did inevitably join the George family, marrying his cousin instead, Luke was incredibly supportive (even as the one that never-ever-could-ever get away). It felt like we were always in on whatever joke he was sharing.
In his “cousin of my spouse” capacity, I got to officially call Luke family after so many years of it being the truth already. Together, Chad and I appreciated the spark Luke brought to every interaction. How he lived for adventure and exploration and always invited others to join with him and share that slice of joy. How easily, very funny he was.
What stands out to me about Luke, forever and ever, was his very frank good-heartedness. He extended his kindness and friendship to people who needed it, very genuinely and generously.
Luke will be greatly missed, but always remembered for how he made us feel.
Rest in peace, Lukey. Love ya.
Established in 2018, Sunshine with Savannah is a catch-all blog with an emphasis on weekend travel, millennial-style marriage and fun, reflection-based musings, outdoor adventure, home design, and all things lifestyle.
Though the content is diverse and varied, the heart of this space stays true to a single, guiding principle: a simple pursuit to find sunshine, wherever I go.
Awakening Wonders says
A beautiful tribute to a special one.