Gus McCravey

We had made the lobby of our hotel when Annie received a text message from her mom. It was apologetic and full of doubt, but nevertheless delivered the tragic news: Gus McCravey had been killed in Spain after an accidental fall.

Gus is the son of Dr. John and Georgia McCravey, and brother of Moira.

Georgia was Annie's golf coach in high school, and became a lifelong friend and second mother to her. Annie and Ryan Kopet felt like older sisters to Gus and Moira--Ryan in particular.

I myself had encountered Gus a precious few times--a fact I will regret for the rest of my life. Meeting him was an important milestone for me in my relationship with Annie; she spoke about this kid as a loving sibling would.

"You just have to meet him. Gus is hilarious. He's funny, super-sweet, and I've never heard him say the first word against anybody."

Gus surpassed my expectations: He was indeed funny, and kind, but it was the genuine respect he showed towards others that endeared him to me--that, and he helped me hold one of Annie's legs after talking her into her first keg-stand. I could tell he loved Annie just as his entire family seemed to, and he treated me as a welcome addition to their circle.

The last time Annie and I saw Gus was at our wedding reception. The entire McCravey clan was there in full force, with Georgia leading the charge on the dance floor. I remember thanking Gus and Moira for attending--not that they would've been anywhere else on Annie's big day. I also remember seeing Gus a little sweaty, and being proud of him getting out on the dance floor among mostly strangers. He was full of happiness in general, and on that evening seemed just selflessly excited for Annie.

Gus made an excellent younger brother to Annie, as I know he made an excellent older one to Moira--and as he made beaming parents of Dr. John and Georgia.

Annie and I were proud to know him and call him friend, and, as she later told me, "I am proud OF him too."

In an online message, Ryan posted a picture of her dancing with Gus at our wedding, noting how much she'll miss his joy. We could not agree more. 2011 has brought an overwhelming year of loss to us and those we love, and right now it hurts to imagine a world without Gus McCravey's joy.

We send our love overseas to everyone in mourning, and wish our arms could stretch the Atlantic to comfort you, however slightly, in your loss. Our loss.

God Bless.


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