To me, Jean-Marc was the older brother I never had. He was the first person that reached out to me when I first joined this site in the summer after I graduated from high school. He encouraged me when I doubted my writing skills, pushed me in areas of leadership, and watched over me both in and out of the site. He talked me through my anxieties as I entered post-secondary, listened to my rants as I stressed through school ... up until the moment I graduated with my four-year degree. To me, he's not just some person I talked to about a writing site. He's somehow who told me that he was proud of me when I graduated, reminisced with me about the conversation we had on my first day of University. As I got older, and life got busier, we stopped talking as frequently, but always - no matter what - if I needed him for even just a random, casual chat, he would be there.
Our conversations ... He might've jokingly threatened me a couple times about releasing our silly conversations. He was uncaring, or even almost proud, that he held quite an unapproachable, intimidating image on the site. But our conversations would involve bunnies, Disney, dogs, food ... silly snaps of our own lives, meaninglessly meaningful conversations that never died. We had professional conversations, conversations revolving around site matters, conversations that would sometimes leave us at odds with each other. We also had more serious conversations. Thoughts for our respective futures. Conversations about family and loved ones. Our mutual dislike of hospitals, bound by our shared connection that was cancer. It touched both of us at a young age, and although a detestable connection it was, we were able to relate to each other.
Now, as I write this, I'm finding that it's hard to express more with words. I'll miss him, just as many will, and I express my heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. He always put himself aside so that others wouldn't worry, and at the same time, he'd welcome our troubles with open arms. My deepest wish is that he is now free from any pain and suffering. Jean-Marc, I hope you're at peace now.
- Jaycee