In Memoriam
The anniversary of my friend Simon Hultman’s death came and went a few days ago. My boyfriend Matt looked at me that morning and asked, “what’s the date?” I said, “the 26th.” He just replied, “oh. right.” We both knew him well, Matt more than me, but there was really nothing more to say. I went to work, came home, sat on my couch and thought. I didn’t turn on the TV, I didn’t kick my shoes off, I just sat and thought. I thought about the day he died and how he was remembered, loved, and missed by, very literally, hundreds of people.
I sat alone, not only thinking of Simon, but thinking of how many people were remembering him that day, three years later: remembering the pride he took in his pumas, his beats, his music, his poetry – remembering his sense of humor, his love for everything Japanese, his dedication to his friends in making sure they were all okay and all happy. I remember my freshman year feeling anxious, scared, and lost in a frat house and meeting him, the only house member who was not also in the fraternity – we hung out for a night, got drunk, got in an insanely amusing water fight and went our separate ways. About two years later our paths crossed again, and for a time, once a week, we would sit outside and have a cigarette – just shoot the shit.
A week or so before Christmas break my junior year (his senior year) we were sitting on Middle porch with a few other people, and Simon and I began comparing our Pumas – he determined that his were better because there was no netting. And his were white, white was definitely cooler. Later he and another decided to head to my room where, for a night, we colored in a Peanuts coloring book and listened to really awful music as Simon hollered along with every note. Eventually we realized how late it was and by that time coloring had become monotonous, so he said goodbye. “Have an awesome break, mad,” he said, squeezed me a hug, and left. And that was it.
When we all returned from winter break, there was news that a student had been evacuated from campus via helicopter with flu-like symptoms. There was rumor of West Nile virus (which, in time, was revealed to be false). Simon was in the hospital for a week, unstable – some of my friends (Simon’s closest friends) spent the time driving back and forth from the hospital for visits. And then one day I woke up, the ground was covered with three feet of snow, and Simon was gone.
So every January 26th, I remember.
3 Comments to “In Memoriam”
Leave a Reply
Hi there,
We likely do not know each other. I graduated from WAC in 2000. Simon was in my senior thesis play. I’ve been thinking of him recently and don’t know why. I have a photo of him from the production, and I would like to send it to his mother. I’d also like to send her a letter telling her about his role – it was the smallest role in the show, but Simon made it huge. Even the professors commented on what a great job he did. I didn’t get to know Simon well, but I never will forget him.
I googled his name in an effort to find his mother’s address and found your blog. If you have her address, would you mind passing it along? I would be grateful.
Kindest regards,
Sarah Ensor Pearce ’00
I still think of Simon often. He was one of the most intersting person I have ever met. I am his Cousin Sean, and I still regret not taking the time to fly out to see him. Last time I saw him was at his brothers wedding on Ohau.
I am comforted by the words shared about my dear little brother Simon. I am always curious to see how he shared his life with others and remember how he lived. As time passes, I think of how different my life is after his touch. I read more, travel a lot and look for any opportunity to seize. I sure do miss him and can’t wait until we meet again.
To the person the posted a comment, my mom would really appreciate anything you can share. She loves to hear “Simon” stories. I am not sure how this web site works but you could contact the University and get our address.
Thanks