Paul Napholz is Immortal by MJ Neenan

The lives of an untold number of people have now lost one of their most essential components. For many there has been lost a solid foundation of Love, Support, Encouragement and Wisdom. Those who are left behind with apparent futility contemplate with what words they may describe what has happened.

With heavy hearts they are paralyzed in the awareness that, in recalling the warmth, humor, and profundity with which the one they have lost was so incredibly rich, that any words of those who remain must seem fruitless, and impotent by comparison.

There were no divisions between Paul Napholz and other people. He could talk to anyone. Through his rare gift of empathy and insight, he was able to fluidly and effortlessly navigate the many aspects and levels of human experience. Everyone who knew Paul had a unique relationship with him because Paul recognized the uniqueness and value of each individual. Each of us has at least one story about Paul. The problem with these stories now is that they will be told by those who are fated to outlive him. They will, therefore, lack the characteristic zest of Paul’s storytelling.

For Paul life was a puzzle and a journey. He invited all to share their piece of the puzzle, and the knowledge that came with its connection to the whole. He offered everyone companionship in the great journey.

This offer, this experiential invitation came without strain. While one felt privileged to join him, it was also clear that he was overjoyed to share the experience. Paul was a champion of life unrestrained by any ideological limitations. No barriers of creed, philosophy, race, political or sexual orientation barred him from sharing the beautiful experience of life.

When he saw imbalance and injustice, he made his discontent heard. He loved the green earth as he loved its denizens, and was baffled by those who felt its needs could be neglected. His knowledge and love of the shared experience made his indignant outrage all the more acute in this matter.

By virtue of his inherent and indomitable goodness, he could not but be at odds with the darkness of this world. It must be remembered that the poison which in the end overcame him was not a part of him. It must be counted among the external forces with which Paul battled for the tragically brief duration of his mortal existence.

All of us who truly loved Paul may take solace in the fact that he has transcended the conflict between good and evil. His experience has now shed itself of all wordly obstacles. His trajectory is now bound unrestrained toward the universal peace and love which was always his goal.

Paul could talk to anyone.

Because when he spoke, he gave over his voice to the words which are inscribed on every human heart. Even the most atheistic among us must concede that by this fact, because he made his mark in the eternal struggle for all that is good, Paul Napholz is immortal.