Let us not forget...

...that Michael Rose, the "pedestrian killed while crossing Herschel" was more than the 20 second news slot he has become and while cars continue to drive down that road that will never be the same for me and while people continue to cross from both sides of the street, a man lost his life last Friday night.

We know now that he was a teacher of English--English as a second language and we've been told through news stories that he was patient and easy-going.

I can't help but wonder who was waiting for him to come home that night that he didn't, who had plans with him over the weekend, who might have left messages on his voicemail until they learned that he had been killed. I wonder if he had children, a partner, a dear friend. I wonder how many people he had touched that day alone, much less the last week. I wonder if he was happy with the direction of his life, content in his profession and at peace with his choices.

I have never witnessed death and his has broken my heart--tying me to him in ways I have not been prepared for, ways that still catch me off guard.

As I prayed for this stranger lying in the street and covered his limp body with blankets, I wonder if he knew I was there, praying for his life and holding him, at least, in my heart.

Obituary follows:

Michael William "Mike" Rose

Michael "Mike" William Rose, 61, passed away suddenly January 30, 2009. Mike was born December 25, 1947 in San Antonio, Texas to Joyce De Ramus Rose and William (Bill) Rose. He lived most of his young life in Athens, Ohio where he continued his education after high school at Ohio University graduating with a degree in Journalism. Upon being drafted during the Vietnam War, he began an adventurous four years as a photographer's mate with the U.S. Navy VP5 Mad Foxes at NAS Jacksonville. After honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy he attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida where he received his post-graduate degree in Journalism and life time love of following Florida Gator sports. From Gainesville he moved to Live Oak, Florida where he was the editor of the Suwannee Democrat. He returned to Ohio University in Athens, Ohio receiving another degree in Reading Education. He loved Florida and returned to Jacksonville to start his just short of 30 year career in teaching. He held teaching positions at many Middle Schools in Duval County before obtaining his most current position at Sandalwood High School. Mike enjoyed immensely his job of teaching students from many diverse backgrounds at Sandalwood High School. Mike is survived by his son, Wesley William Rose; ex-wife Laurie Peterson Griffin; husband-in-law Gerald (Gerry) Griffin; and special young friends Parker and Bailey Griffin. We will all miss you greatly. Family members and friends will gather on Friday evening from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, February 6, 2009 at Hardage-Giddens Edgewood Funeral Home (729 S. Edgewood Ave.) Jacksonville, FL 32205. A Memorial Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, 11:00am, February 7, 2009 in the Chapel of Hardage- Giddens Edgewood Funeral Home. The Memorial Funeral Service will conclude at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens Blanding Funeral Home (5753 Blanding Blvd.) Jacksonville, FL 32244.