Get This

Godspeed, Worthy Friend

Guy and I first heard about the significance of November 12 about a month ago. Justin asked if we wanted to walk up to Barley’s for lunch. Right after ordering and engaging in the usual banter, Justin rather casually told us that his wife, Danielle, had gotten a one-in-a-thousand job offer to teach high school English … in The Netherlands. Great job, great compensation, great country.

Great opportunity for two wonderful people.

When I told my wife of Justin’s impending transcontinental move later that evening, she thought for a moment and said, “Well of course he’s moving to The Netherlands. It’s Justin, and all this is as it is meant  to be. It’s perfect.”

My thoughts, exactly. If there was ever a young man hand-crafted by God to explore the world and offer his goodwill, it is Justin Chappell.

Some may ask, “Just who is this Justin Chappell?” At Harrison Kohn, (until 5 this afternoon) he is our copywriter (”content engineer,” as Justin likes to call it), conceptual thinker, programmer, database wizard and general orchestrator of talent. More to the point, he’s often the glue that holds us together, the Castrol 5W-30 that keeps the parts working brilliantly under stressful conditions. He’s the moral and creative compass that points us in the right direction, and assures us that what we’re doing is of value.

On Monday mornings, I talk of football games I’ve seen, baseball tournaments I’ve endured, soccer matches I’ve squinted to see against the early morning sun. Of Braves games blown in the ninth. Of lawn and leaf bags I’ve filled. Justin answers with accounts of putt-putt at McPherson Park, long walks with Danielle around North Main and Sunday afternoons watching three obscure movies with English subtitles. My manic pursuits are always perfectly counterbalanced by his sublime little jaunts around the countryside. He reminds me to exhale, every once in a while.

And so, according to the timepiece located in his heart, it is time for Justin and Danielle to move to The Netherlands. To share his Faith, his perfect union with Danielle, his gentle optimism, his natural inclination just to observe and listen, and, of course, his extraordinary talents with all of Europe, starting from the town of Alkmaar (epicenter of the Dutch cheese industry).

We’re really, really (REALLY) sad to see him leave. But so excited to see him go, to know he and Danielle have arrived at their next destination. HK will never be the same without him. But we’re a remarkably better place having enjoyed his company for two and a half years.

Thanks for everything, Justin Chappell.