everything i need (the air i breathe)

[leanwellback]

Today, as you probably know, was Jason's funeral. Part of me finds it bitterly ironic that today is More Joy Day, and yet it's so fitting a send off to someone who radiated joy.

I want to thank those of you who came to the funeral and those who sent flowers or made donations. The flowers were beautiful and the undertaker will be putting the cards from them into a book of remembrance for me which I will treasure. It was a lovely service and celebration of a beautiful life that ended too soon. Jason's father and brother both made loving eulogies, as did I.

I wanted to share mine with those of you who couldn't be there today.

I first met Jason in 2004, the day after my 17th birthday. He instantly felt like someone I could tell anything to. The first time we spoke on the phone, I knew I had made a friend for life. Our mutual interests and similar tastes made us good friends, but our shared emotional struggles, our shared beliefs and ideals are what made us a great couple. We could disagree about the little things, but when it really mattered we were always right there together.

I can say with certainty that I wouldn't be the person I am today without Jason. He was the strongest, bravest, kindest person I've ever met. No matter how bad a day he was having, he could always find some good in it. No matter how awful he felt, he went out of his way to make others feel better. He believed the purpose of his life was to add to people's store of good things and to make them smile. I think the best way we can honour him is to do the same; to makes others happy, even for a second.

Jason is one of the brightest souls I've ever known and that light will not burn out. A piece of my heart will always belong to him. And I know I'll see him again some day. Thank you for everything, Jason. I love you.

Our beautiful girlfriend, Rhiannon, could not be there today but she sent me her own eulogy for Jason and has said I can post it here too.

In the roughly five years I knew Jason, he taught me so many things. He taught me how to write better, he taught me to appreciate the little things in life, he taught me that the world is both too big and very small at the same time.

He taught me to be more aware of others less fortunate than myself, he taught me how be more considerate of other people, he taught me how to rue the fact that teleports haven't been invented yet, and that England and Australia are so far away from each other on the map.

But most of all he taught me about love. He taught me about loving, about being loved, and how the world is so much better off if we all live our lives with love in out hearts. Love for our fellow man, love for man's best friend, love for the stranger you pass on the street.

Jason had so much love in his heart, for everyone and everything, and all I can say is that I was so blessed that there was enough in there to stretch around the globe and find me.

Although I shouldn't be surprised there was - it always seemed like he had a never ending supply of love that he would offer to anyone he thought needed it, more than you would think would be able to fit inside that hobbit sized body. Yet any time someone was down, or feeling blue, or just had a bad day, he would reach in and pull out more. Like his heart was bigger on the inside.

The past four and a half years of my life I was lucky enough to be loved by Jason and James, and to love them back, and I can truly say I am a better person for it. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for them.

I love you, Jason. Thank you for loving me. I'll never forget you.

The minister read a beautiful poem which I will ask him to send me so I can share it with you, too. If you want to listen to them, the songs that played were Harbor by Vienna Teng and I Had A Time by Embrace. I'll be given his ashes soon and I'm making plans on what to do with them that I'll share with you another time.

Thank you for all the loving tributes posted here so far and for all of your support and prayers ♥