Komosa had positive impact on so many

It is with great sadness that I heard about the death of Rob Komosa, who died at age 30. After 13 years, apparently even the breathing machines could no longer help his lungs handle the work. He was one of my clients years ago, one of those people who makes an impact on you without even trying. I remember meeting with Rob when he was in rehab. Seeing him was always uplifting as he never wanted you to feel sorry for him. He came to accept his permanent state of paralysis, learning to maneuver his wheelchair through the magic of technology and blowing through a straw.

Over the years I followed Rob and how he touched others, trying to help fellow quadriplegics permanently hurt in athletic accidents. I saw how he was able to dedicate time to this purpose in his life after my law firm secured for him a settlement from District 214. The family was able to buy a handicapped-accessible home that Rob helped design and, for the first time since his paralysis, Rob’s mom was able to sleep in a “real” bed, not on the sofa or floor beside him.

Oftentimes it was Rob’s deep faith in God that got him through his darkest moments and helped him to find the joy in life itself. Ten years after the fateful incident, he spoke about how sometimes in his dreams he saw himself walking only to wake up and realize it was not meant to be. Now Rob is able to walk tall knowing that his life made an impact, although much different from the one he surely envisioned, but one that touched so many people in so many ways. There is a special place in heaven for souls like his. May God rest his.

Robert A. Clifford

Chicago