You are welcome to include your stories here by sending them to
storiesforparis@gmail.com
10 January 2016
Note from Taylor McDowell Mali
May 2016
I would also like to thank my dear friend Paris Ionescu who passed away this year. Paris, you were so much smarter than me. You were the person I always emailed before I did something stupid. Whether it involved a Russian spy, animal smuggler, warlord in Congo, or drug dealer in New York, time and time again you were the person I trusted to send for help. You also saved my life while we were rock climbing at the Shawangunk Ridge. That obviously deserves mentioning. I just wish I could have returned the favor, man. Sometimes I think about how, if given the opportunity, I would probably switch places with you. Me going up there and you coming back down here. I think about you every day, my g. I'll see you when I see you.
3 May 2016
I just wanted to send you an email to thank you for sharing this beautiful website with the staff at STARS who had the pleasure of working with Paris. I remember meeting Paris in August at his first appointment where we spoke of how cool the shoes were that he was wearing (they reminded me of bowling shoes), in addition to what to expect about his upcoming treatment.
It was truly a pleasure to not only work with Paris, but to also get to know him as the brilliant and kind human being that he was. In addition to discussing our favorite books, I especially took such joy in photographing Paris throughout this stage of his life, starting with his first day of detox, ending with his last photo in front of the turtle tank in the waiting room.
I think of Paris daily, and I am incredibly grateful to have known him. Thank you again for sharing with us.
Best,
Kaitlyn
12 May 2016
Dear Paris,
With my coffee this morning, I toast your birthday, wishing you were around to share notes about your brilliant dissertation and bright future.
I wish you had not left us so hastily without a word of good-bye, far too soon for everyone who loved you.
My very sad good-bye and good night, though it is morning here. I take a sip of morning brew in memory of you.
Jeanette
19 May 2016
Dearest Paris,
I celebrated your arrival on earth with your Mum and Dad and other wonderful people who gathered in New York for your Christening. How adored you were and how perfect you were. Take a look at that extraordinary video filmed on the day.
So special.
I remember peering down into your crib at the after-party and hoping that you would stir so that I could pick you up. I remember holding you for a long time as I mingled through the party crowd feeling very proud of the fact that I had been chosen as your God-mother. I loved the feeling of holding your innocence in my arms. My sadness is that my arms were not strong enough to hold on to you longer. I will reflect on my loss but celebrate our connection always.
I might write again in the future, but for now I hope you understand, this is all I can express. I am working through my sadness.
Much love,
Your God-mother Anita
Dedicated to Paris
PRAISE
I praise you because
you are artist and scientist
in one. When I am somewhat
fearful of your power,
your ability to work miracles
with a set-square, I hear
you murmuring to yourself
in a notation Beethoven
dreamed of but never achieved.
You run off your scales of
rain water and sea water, play
the chords of the morning
and evening light, sculpture
with shadow, join together leaf
by leaf, when spring comes,
the stanzas of an immense poem.
You speak all languages and none,
answering our most complex
prayers with the simplicity
of a flower, confronting us,
when we would domesticate you
to our sues, with the rioting
viruses under our lens.
- R.S.Thomas