Cheapen

Sitting in our classroom going over reading and math

Tutoring you wasn’t easy, but it was a reason to get out of class

You didn’t seem to mind that you needed extra help with those subjects

Most times we just watched YouTube videos of Bigfoot and clumsy cats

We were only 8^th graders with no care in the world

We had the biggest class in school, we were tough, and we won home coming

That was our best year ever!

Freshman year wasn’t as successful, but the football team was undefeated

During a game you had our whole school worried when your helmet cut your head

But Monday morning, you walked in with stiches and staples happy your team won for you

Nothing could take you down

You had a heart so pure, smile sincere, and soul mature than most

You knew what life had in store for you, subtly you prepared us for the worst

August 5^th was when my mom received that fateful call

You had passed on.

How can this be? Why did you leave so soon?

Didn’t you know our class loved you?

Was it your past injury that did it?

Nothing made sense

You were too young with so much passion and love

But you did what Creator needed you to do; your time had come

The rest of high school was just a requirement we dreaded

Tears spilled with no words to say

Your empty seat reminded us we no longer had you

Life kept going without you, we learned to do the same

16 is too young to understand the meaning of life and how precious it is, yet there we were

Now I only see you in my dreams guiding me through tough times

You taught me to love with all I have before it’s too late

I carry you in my heart as a reminder to be helpful, caring, and forgiving

You showed me to work hard and never give up

I thank you for that

Sometimes I get lonely and miss your laugh

But I remember not to be selfish and hold you back

I wish you could’ve met my kids

They would’ve loved an uncle like you

When the time is right I will share your story

Teach them what you taught me

Until then, you are in my thoughts and dreams