26 Years

Todd Bumgardner
About the author

M.S./ CSCS/ Owner of Beyond Strength Performance/ Ginger
15 Responses
  1. Mitch

    “Time is an illusion. The fourteen years that I called Stephen my friend, and his twenty-six years of life went by fleetingly. I’m sure the next twenty-six years of my life, and any bonus time that I’m granted, will follow suit. I’ve realized that after a transitory moment we’ll all be memories held by those that love us.”

    WOW – just wow man. That hits like a ton of bricks (in a good way). Thanks for sharing something so touching and worthwhile about a friend and life.

  2. Rumman

    I’ve thought about this a lot lately and your words some up how I feel. Your friend did sound like he’d decided what his priorities in life were and that’s so important. All the best to his family and to you. Stay strong!

  3. Joe Giandonato

    Touching stuff and beautifully crafted prose, Todd. God bless Stephen and those battling CF.

    Thank you for brightening my day with a great story of a courageous, authentic person.

    RIP Stephen

  4. margaret leddy

    Hey Todd, very thought provoking article. He indeed was quite the funny man. Pity the teachers that had to endure his endless banters. You were a good friend to Stephen, he talked about you often, however he failed to share many of your ‘adventures’ with me, go figure. I appreciate everyone who shares their love and memories with us. God bless us all until we are together with him in the presence of God.

    1. Todd Bumgardner

      Hi Margaret,

      I’m so glad you had the opportunity to read this. I wanted to reach out to you, but I wasn’t sure how–so I’m glad this article reached you. I hope that you’re doing well, and I hope everyone in your family is happy.

  5. Thea

    Todd, thank you so much for writing this. I cried with laughter when I read the part about the substitute. I just really appreciate you taking the time to write this and share it with us.

  6. Valeria Kave

    Didn’t know your friend,but your story about the life he shared with you is awesome. Stay strong.. & my motto is Live Life Happy!!!
    A good friend will never leave your heart, cause you are left with good memories that no one can take from you.

  7. Shannon

    Amazing of you to take the time to write this and share with everyone Todd. Thank you so much for sharing. You described him perfectly. And I loved the stories from when you were in school. It’s wonderful to see how many people’s lives Stephen touched. I can’t believe it’s been a year already. I miss him every single day. I shared your story on my Facebook page and also on my aunt Margaret’s (Stephens mom). Memories will always keep him with us. Always in our hearts!

    1. Todd Bumgardner

      Shannon,
      I’m glad that the article helped and I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you for sharing it with Margaret–I wanted to reach out to her but I wasn’t sure how right now. I think her reading this would do well to meet that end. Thanks so much.

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