Across the Mediterranean Sea: Messages of Love Found in Italy

A Promise Kept: Messages [bottle of love] to Craig on the way to Rome! 06.09.2024

Five years ago, during a time of deep sorrow and hope, I asked our friends and family to write messages for my beloved husband, Craig, who was very ill. I promised Craig that I would gather these loving words, seal them in a bottle, and release them into the Mediterranean Sea. A few weeks ago, I fulfilled that promise on what would have been our 17th wedding anniversary. With tears in my eyes and love in my heart, I let the bottle go into the middle of an ocean of Greece, a tribute to the man who meant everything to me.

This morning, in the charming region of Lazio, Italy, something truly magical happened. The bottle with those precious messages was discovered, and it feels like a piece of Craig’s heart and soul has traveled worldwide. Imagine the joy and surprise of the person who found it, learning about Craig and feeling the warmth of his love and hugs. It’s as if Craig’s spirit continues to touch lives, spreading kindness and making a difference, just as he always did. This unexpected discovery has brought joy to my eyes, knowing that Craig’s legacy of love and compassion reaches new hearts and changes lives most beautifully.

Sailing with Love: Messages of Love Found in Lazio, Italy [07.21.2024]

From a cousin: Doug Richerson

“Some of you may know my cousin Craig Goodman. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor 6 years ago that came back as brain cancer a couple of years ago. He is nearing death, and his wife created a link where people who knew him could leave messages. She read them to him and also turned the messages into a book for their kids. Love and hugs to each of you.

Those of you who have played the new Spider-Man game, Craig was the guy who created all the Spider-Man suits and textures. There is an Easter egg in the game, a statue in the park with a plaque listing his family. I hope the next time you play, you pause a moment in his honor.

Craig was my closest cousin when I was young. We hung out a lot and spent many summers in Manhattan exploring and visiting the Sunset Zoo. He inspired me to draw and be creative. He was awkward like me when he was younger, but he blossomed. He pushed on regardless and was always fun to be around.

We grew apart as we got older and maybe talked a few times over the next twenty years. I remember our last big conversation was shortly after his first brain surgery. We talked and reminisced the best we could. He was not totally recovered, and some words were fuzzy.

I regret not staying closer and letting someone like this drift away. I am horrible about losing people and distance myself for selfish reasons because I can’t stand the thought of it. I did this for way too long in my relationship with my cousin. Now, I won’t ever be able to fix it.

He really was one of the best people, and I can’t imagine what his family is enduring now. We all have a finite amount of time on this plane. We should all make our connections and friendships important. Never take them for granted or be afraid to reach out or tell someone they are special to you.

I wish his family all the courage and strength they will need to endure this and move forward without his physical presence. I know he will always live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.”

From the Yohos:

“Hi Goodmans! My husband is also a Craig. On his first day at Insomniac Games, Craig challenged him to a sword fight on the roof. That was one of his fondest memories at work. I don’t believe we’ve ever met. We weren’t a thing until after you guys left. However, we are also a CHLA heart family, and I’ve been following your page ever since. I wish we were closer so that we can give you all a big, big hug. From a medical mom/wife to another, please please let me know if you guys need anything. We are always thinking about you all. Thank you for all the joy that you’ve shared.”

Andrew Raheem:

“Craig, you helped create something that lit up my childhood. The impact you had on me was profound and groundbreaking and I did not know your name for years. Your charisma, wit and love has been clear for everyone to see for so long. You are, and always will be, amazing.”

Mike Catalano:

“Craig, we are all so lucky to have you in our life. You give me a target for the man I want to be as a father, friend, husband, and all-around human being. Your genuine curiosity, interest, and love for other people has always amazed me. You are the smartest person I’ve ever met, but you have an amazing way of making the person sitting across from you feel like they actually were. Thank you for showing us all how to live and love.”

Corey J. Peagler:

“Hey Craig, it’s Corey from Blizzard (formerly Insomniac). I’m struggling to find the right words. I know we only hung out and talked a handful of times over the years, but I’ve always viewed it as quality over quantity. We shared some profound talks, over some serious subjects… And I always truly felt we communicated soul to soul. Everything from work-related banter, to lunches, to a very special conversation we shared having worked late in the office one night. You made yourself vulnerable and really opened up to me, and for that I will be forever flattered and grateful. You are an excellent friend in the truest sense of the word, and my heart is breaking for you and your family. The world should not be robbed of a man so full of love and hope, so soon. In the times that I struggled as a young person trying to navigate life, you always knew the right things to say, or the right advice to give.

More importantly, the right questions to ask, that I might find the answers for myself. That’s the kind of wisdom you possess. I observed with myself, and with others, you always took great care to speak to someone in the way they personally needed to be spoken to. That’s a unique gift, and I daresay your parents could not have done a better job raising you to become the man you have. I’m so happy to have met you, Craig. Whether or not I’ve shared it before, you’ve always felt like a brother to me. Though I don’t know what the future holds, if there’s one thing I am certain of it’s that we’ll see one another again. I love you, man.”

Marcus Lull

Hi Craig I remember the first time we met. It was 2003 and I was waiting to be interviewed in the old lobby at Insomniac. You walked directly up to me with a huge smile and said “Welcome, you’re going to do great!” And just like that we were instant friends. I got the job, but I had only been 3d modeling for 2 months and I was terrified that Chad would see right through my BS. Fortunately you took me under your wing. You did much more than simply teach me how to model better. You helped me see that games are stories and experiences that can bring tremendous joy and even ignite artistic passion in others. Learning from you was a pain sometimes because you never gave the answer. You always used the “socratic” method and asked questions that forced me to think my way to the solution you already had in your head…so frustrating!

From the start, you were patient, kind, compassionate and incredibly generous. You even helped Crissy get her photography business started by giving us your advice and equipment. When the time came for you and Jules to get married we were honored to be given the opportunity to photograph your wedding. We still have your flash, we call it the “Goodman”.

I’ve always struggled to find my confidence. I still do. Thank you for the words of encouragement you left me just before moving to the east coast. I chant them in the back of my head on any given day and probably will continue until I get old and grey, God willing.

The sacrifices you made for others in this world are immeasurable, amazing, unmatchable and will last for lifetimes in anyone lucky enough to be your friend or family. I can’t believe how hard this message is to write. The tears keep welling up and I have to take multiple breaks. The world needs more people like you in it. I know wherever you go after this will be amazing and good. I’m excited to see Jules again and meet Izzy and Ike. I know you are going to be looking over them and knowing you keeping an eye on the rest of us too. I hope I get to see you again someday. Love you!

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These messages paint a beautiful picture of Craig and his profound impact on everyone around him. His legacy of love, creativity, and kindness continues to touch hearts, even across the seas. Craig’s spirit lives on, not just in our memories but in the lives he continues to inspire.