On May 20, Zach Sobiech died. He was 18.
The story wasn’t the fact at that age 17 he was diagnosed with cancer and was given only months to live – it was the way he chose to live.
"I want to be remembered as the kid who went down fighting … that didn’t really lose," Sobiech said.
Soulpancake, a media company, put together a documentary on Sobiech, and his family and friends. Going in, the director thought he’d meet an incredible kid with a cool YouTube video, but found a 17-year-old who changed his life.
The 22-minute video has had more than 6 million views. It is worth the time investment to watch, have tissue at the ready.
Sobiech turned to music, as a way to connect with family and friends, and he wrote a little song called "Clouds" that you may have heard.
We all face death, eventually. Some like Zach knew sort of when it was coming. He said that it was just something that was on the agenda. A little scary, but something he would face the way he wanted to.
He didn’t want to be in the hospital all the time and he wanted to be with his friends.
He wanted to be home.
Here are some of his words from "Clouds":
If only I had a little bit more time.
If only I had a little bit more time with you.
We could go up, up, up.
And take that little ride.
And sit there holding hands.
And everything would be just right.
And maybe someday I’ll see you again.
We’ll float up in the clouds and we’ll never see the end.
And we’ll go up, up, up.
But I’ll fly a little higher.
We’ll go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer.
Up here my dear.
It won’t be long now, it won’t be long now.
They couldn’t get a full-blown music video produced, but by reaching out to a few people, they were able to put this together.
Maybe you’ve been one of the millions who already know the story. Maybe you’ve been one of the millions who have viewed this video, and think the rest of the world is a little late to the party.
But if you haven’t … Now maybe you too can be one of the millions to share a story, to share a little smile and get out there and live.
Media is bombarding us everywhere.
Instead of sheltering his brain from the onslaught, Steve embraces the news stories, entertainment, billboards, blogs, talk shows and everything in between.
The former writer, editor and producer in TV, radio, Web and newspapers, will be talking about what media does in our community and how it shapes who we are and what we do.