Dear Mr. and Mrs. Macza,

I stumbled upon your son’s obituary while I was looking for another one of a musician who died in 2004. I saw the bemused smile in his photograph and felt compelled to click on the link. There was just something so serene about the picture.

Your description of his all too brief life is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking, and it is exceptionally well written. I realize this may seem presumptuous coming from a complete stranger, but I wanted to pass along my condolences to you and Teagan and your family. I hope you have been able to find some measure of peace in the decade since Carter’s passing.

Sincerely,

Chris Hurlburt

Cincinnati, Ohio