A simple park bench along the West Side Highway between W 12th Street and Bethune has become a poignant symbol of love, loss, and resilience. Jack Ciapciak visits this bench daily, a ritual he has maintained since the sudden passing of his fiancé, Jack Lorentzen, on Christmas Eve 2022. The couple's story has captured the hearts of millions, transforming a humble bench into a viral sensation.
The bench, nestled beside the LGBT Memorial and facing Hoboken, holds a significant place in the couple's history. It was here that Jack Ciapciak proposed to Jack Lorentzen in September 2022, creating a cherished memory against the backdrop of their love story. The location was no accident; it was chosen because Hoboken was where Lorentzen lived when they first met. A friend had surprised Ciapciak with the bench, making it an even more heartfelt gift when he proposed.
"He looked at it and was totally shocked and caught off guard," – Jack Ciapciak
Since Lorentzen's untimely death at the age of 30 due to an undiagnosed heart condition, the bench has become a memorial site. Loved ones leave flowers occasionally or gather during significant moments to honor Lorentzen's memory. For Ciapciak, the bench is not just a place of remembrance but a spiritual connection, where he feels his fiancé's presence.
"Some days I feel like he’s saying hi to me when the sun shines down on the bench," – Jack Ciapciak
Ciapciak's journey through grief has found an outlet on TikTok, where he shares daily reflections on his loss. His videos have resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, garnering millions of views and comments encouraging him to share more of his story. Many have suggested that he write a book, a prospect Ciapciak is seriously considering as he finds new meaning and purpose in his tragedy.
"You know, the fact that this seems to have been helping so many other people has brought me so much peace, and I’m really grateful for it." – Jack Ciapciak
The overwhelming response to his TikTok posts has been both surprising and comforting for Ciapciak. He expresses gratitude for the support and sees it as a way to honor Lorentzen's legacy, finding solace in the fact that their story is touching so many lives.
"For the first time, I feel like I’m finding meaning in his death," – Jack Ciapciak
Ciapciak plans to update the plaque on the bench to read "Jack & Jack Oct. 14, 2023" after what would have been their wedding day. This gesture serves as a tribute not only to their past but also to the future they never had the chance to share.
"I was grieving my past with him, but I was also grieving my future. We never got to walk down the aisle and get married," – Jack Ciapciak
The story of Jack Ciapciak and Jack Lorentzen resonates with themes of authenticity and living one's truth—a sentiment echoed by Ciapciak's recollection of Lorentzen's own words.
"Jack always said that once he came out and started living authentically, everything in his life fell into place," – Jack Ciapciak
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