Sense of humor, smile will be missed
Micah Harris was one of the first friends I made at Duke, both of us living in Blackwell freshman year. After losing touch for a while, Micah and I reconnected during this past Spring semester, something for which I will be eternally grateful.
Micah was one of the sweetest and most cheerful people I have ever known. If I was ever upset or angry about something, Micah had a way of always making me feel better. His contagious smile and enveloping hugs could never fail to put anyone in a good mood. He would make everything seem trivial, turning any bad time into a good time. Micah's goofy sense of humor and playful demeanor are perhaps what I will miss most about him. I remember being at the library stressed out studying for exams this spring, instant messaging with Micah on my laptop. Even though I was stressed out to no end, talking to Micah made me unable to control my out loud laughter in the middle of the Gothic Reading room.
Micah's infectious smile and jolly presence will be sorely missed on Duke's campus. Micah was a wonderful person and his death has been a tragedy for us all.
Liza Howard
Trinity '05
Micah brought forth the best in people
I heard of Micah's passing over the phone from a friend, and my stomach dropped. I'm sure similar feelings passed through all of Micah's friends and family when they heard the news.
The hardest part of losing someone like Micah is that you find a part of yourself has died along with him. In that way, Micah was a brilliant light among Duke students. His humor and honesty brought forth the best in the people who had the chance to be a part of his life, and he always made it a point to share himself even if it meant giving up his time and energy.
I never once saw a person around Micah who was unhappy. Sometimes it's hard to see how important a person like that can be in your life until he's gone. You didn't need to have spent a lot of time with him to realize that. I think it is important to reflect on the kind of person Micah was as well as the kind of person that you are. After losing Micah you realize that you can no longer use his presence and good nature to define who you are.
The only choice we have left now is to change ourselves to reflect the goodness that he brought forth in all of us. For all those people who loved him, becoming better people will be the best way to honor his memory.
Mike Rechnitz
Trinity '04
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