David Anthony Rock

Bud, I am so sorry - I just recently learned of David´s passing. He was a talented, amazing young man. Even though this great pain is always with us, we somehow learn to live with our grief and find moments of joy. Wishing you butterflies, cherished memories, and much happiness in your life. All the best, Dawn

Sail On to Eternity

The turning tide, the rising sea,
The wind exhales across the bay;
The lines are loose, the anchor weighed,
A charted course, you´re on your way.

Pursue horizons free of fear,
Let not the roaring seas restrain;
Flowing current, lifting breeze,
Sail to freedom, cast off pain.

Though we on shore can now but dream
Of where you sail and all you see;
Our hearts know where your voyage leads,
Safe passage to eternity.

To you, fair winds and followin´ seas,
The journey is now yours alone;
Life´s moorings slipped, the stars to guide,
Your course is not away, but home.

Tonight our harbor darkly sleeps,
A dock is empty, we ashore,
Console ourselves that you will find
Your own safe harbor ever more.

But in our minds, we guard you still,
Our beacon always shining bright;
Our hearts, your refuge without end,
Sail on, dear one, with all your might.

- Dad

A Light in the Dark

There must have been a moment when the sun shown in your sky,
There must have been an instant when life did not pass you by,

There must have been one second when you felt life´s warm embrace,
That when a hidden smile would find its way onto your face,

Was it because you sampled some of life´s sweet taste divine,
When all the weight you carried gently lifted for a time,

A precious bit of freedom from the turmoil of your mind,
A chance to stretch your essence and leave the stress behind,

And when you let the darkness surrender to the light,
How did you use the moment that, for once, was not a fight,

You used your precious freedom to show us that you cared,
You gave us songs and laughter, your spirit filled the air,

Joyous days, contented nights, free of misery,
Your moments of abandon, we hold in memory,

A well lived life of any length can leave a lasting mark,
A light on those remaining souls who struggle in the dark,

We could not reach the blackest depths of anguish that you knew,
But we will cherish every time you let the light shine through.

- Dad

Bud -- I hope you see this soon. I'll be heading to DC for our 50th reunion and wanted to get back in touch after what has been way too long. I just found out about David and Sherry this afternoon, and I just read your reflection. It would be great to see you, but I wanted to let you know my heart is breaking for you. I'll keep trying and I'm sure we'll reconnect. Steve

Reflection

There was a mirror in my life
That shown me in my finest light

Not the features worn by age,
The marbled hands, the hollow gaze,

But features that I knew were mine
With edges smoothed and more refined

Reflecting all that used to be,
In truth, the very heart of me

But somehow new, in finer form,
As if to see myself reborn.

The light of life that glows at dawn
Reflects until the day is gone

But somewhere in that course of time
Reflections shift, a subtle sign

That evening light will change the view
And what projects returns in you.

I filled with pride at what I saw,
Without the slightest sense at all

That he´d surpassed what I had been
That I am now reflecting him.

And now the day yields to the night,
With those reflections gone from sight,

But when the light returns at dawn,
I´ll be his mirror from now on.

- Dad

I'm a researcher in Israeli and Palestinian environmental politics and came across this page when looking up the authors of an Anera report on Gaza's water crisis. I'm very sorry to read of the loss of a person who was doing invaluable work for Palestinians and was clearly much loved. Please accept these condolences from a stranger who has read and appreciated David's writing.

I am a member of Anera and appreciate David's efforts to bring better water and sanitation services to the Middle East, particularly in Gaza. As someone with bipolar disorder who has had severe depressions, I was glad to learn of and support the Depression Research Division of the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. My condolences to David's family and friends as they mourn an apparently very gifted and giving young man.

David accomplished and experienced so very much in the short time he was with us. We will always remember him as the sharp, intelligent, sensitive and loving person and the beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. He is and will be sorely missed by many. All our thoughts and prayers are with you.

David will be missed by many people and our prayers are with the whole family. With all my sympathy, Steve

My prayers for your family during this difficult time. His legacy will live on in all the projects he supported and loved.

Please accept my condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. There are just no words. I will keep the family in my prayers.

My deepest love and prayers to the Rock family. My sister, Karyn, has shared the most wonderful memories of Davidm

I have some awesome memories with David growing up! He was one of the nicest guys. He´ll be missed

How fortunate I have been to spend time with the Rock family over the past two years and to get to know David. What a wit and sense of humor he had! We shared a love of Seinfeld - and David´s delivery a la Jerry could not be beat. His keen intelligence made every conversation such a pleasure. I always learned something new. My respect for him was immense, and I miss him very much. His family chose wonderful photos of him, but I especially love the first one - which showcases his amazing smile. May your Memory be a Blessing.