Memorial
A shooting star streaks across the sky. We relish the beauty of its momentary brilliance, in part, because we have witnessed a rare, and short-lived, wonder. So it was with Justin Gibran (Freud) Reia, 41.
Inheriting his father's brain structure and love of adventure, Freud packed a life-time into four short decades. He traveled to most parts of the US and lived in many of them during his childhood and while traveling with his band, The Criminals, for whom he wrote many songs. Freud traveled to several countries and worked in London for a time.
Although Freud wanted no part of higher education and suffered from bi-polar disorder, he enjoyed working as an IT Director in several excellent not-for-profits such as the Museum of African Diaspora, Zeum, the Clinton School for Public Service and, most recently, Austin Pets Alive. He truly wanted to make the world a gentler and kinder place.
While Freud enjoyed many successes, he also experienced many losses including several beloved friends, his grandparents, and his father.
Few people are able to control where they live during their adult life. Most of us are fettered by emotional ties or financial needs. However, Freud managed to live as a free spirit who refused to yield his precious days to the expectations of others or to his own fears.
He loved deeply and kept in touch with many of his friends for twenty or thirty years. If you look at one of his websites on Facebook or on a Facebook group called Friends of Freud Reia, you will see kind words from people in many states and countries, a testament to the sadness of his friends as he left this world.
As his poet namesake, Gibran, reminds us, only those who have given us joy can cause us emotional pain. We grieve together for a man who clearly provided much joy in the world, who valued people more than things, and the moment more than an elusive future. Clearly, he was wiser than we knew.
For comfort, consider this Bible verse, "Blessed are the pure in spirit, for they shall see God." His remains will lie next to his father's on a lush and lovely Kentucky hill nestled among his and his mother's people.
At 41, after a drunk driver struck him on a motorcycle, his pain increased. He suffered even more than he did from several physical disorders. Now, he flies away. No more pain. Gone, but not forgotten, he leaves us grateful to have known him.
Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.
Memorial contributions may be made to Austin Pets Alive from where he adopted his last pet dog and where he worked during his final two weeks. Pictures are cherished and may be mailed to Flora Salyers, his mother, 605 South Baridon Street, Conway, AR 72034.
Inheriting his father's brain structure and love of adventure, Freud packed a life-time into four short decades. He traveled to most parts of the US and lived in many of them during his childhood and while traveling with his band, The Criminals, for whom he wrote many songs. Freud traveled to several countries and worked in London for a time.
Although Freud wanted no part of higher education and suffered from bi-polar disorder, he enjoyed working as an IT Director in several excellent not-for-profits such as the Museum of African Diaspora, Zeum, the Clinton School for Public Service and, most recently, Austin Pets Alive. He truly wanted to make the world a gentler and kinder place.
While Freud enjoyed many successes, he also experienced many losses including several beloved friends, his grandparents, and his father.
Few people are able to control where they live during their adult life. Most of us are fettered by emotional ties or financial needs. However, Freud managed to live as a free spirit who refused to yield his precious days to the expectations of others or to his own fears.
He loved deeply and kept in touch with many of his friends for twenty or thirty years. If you look at one of his websites on Facebook or on a Facebook group called Friends of Freud Reia, you will see kind words from people in many states and countries, a testament to the sadness of his friends as he left this world.
As his poet namesake, Gibran, reminds us, only those who have given us joy can cause us emotional pain. We grieve together for a man who clearly provided much joy in the world, who valued people more than things, and the moment more than an elusive future. Clearly, he was wiser than we knew.
For comfort, consider this Bible verse, "Blessed are the pure in spirit, for they shall see God." His remains will lie next to his father's on a lush and lovely Kentucky hill nestled among his and his mother's people.
At 41, after a drunk driver struck him on a motorcycle, his pain increased. He suffered even more than he did from several physical disorders. Now, he flies away. No more pain. Gone, but not forgotten, he leaves us grateful to have known him.
Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.
Memorial contributions may be made to Austin Pets Alive from where he adopted his last pet dog and where he worked during his final two weeks. Pictures are cherished and may be mailed to Flora Salyers, his mother, 605 South Baridon Street, Conway, AR 72034.