His voice echoes

To have a voice that echoes is rare.

It’s not everyone that can say something and it sticks with you for your whole life. There is so much noise, that to express something people remember, turn over in their mind, and share is incredibly difficult.

First, it takes a clear understanding of reality and of people. You have to see truth clearly and fully. This takes great empathy, deep listening, and humility. And then also, you have to be able to distill a profound, stirring, thought so simply and emotionally that it can be internalized deeply by someone else. This takes a brilliant and sharp mind.

But finally, you also have to be trustworthy. People have to know you are honest and have integrity. That you do the right things for the right reasons. Because if you do not, even the most elegant and prescient idea does not spread far — because they don’t respect or honor the messenger.

My friend Wyman was this way. He had a voice that echoes. When I am most confused and feeling most alone, I remember what he said to me often, “ball don’t lie” and “friends of friends are all friends.” They are simple truths that I didn’t truly understand until he showed me.

He was observant, and a true listener. He was humble, empathetic, and had the sharpest and brightest of minds. And he cared deeply for others. The only way I ever knew him to be was someone who treated others with dignity, except for brief moments, maybe, with someone whose team rivaled the Knicks or Michigan.

It wouldn’t be precise to say that I will miss him, because I have missed him. Distance naturally means less time with friends, even ones that are really close. The only consolation is that his is a voice that echoes. And it will continue to, because of the thoughtful, good, and energetic person he was. That wisdom of his, that essence of his life, will remain.