I remember the first time I ever met Beau Solomon. It wasn’t anything too exciting, just a mere “hello in passing in the halls of our little southwestern Wisconsin high school. Nothing notable, by any means. The thing about it that made me remember? I never in my life expected a guy on the football team to say hello to me, let alone look in my general direction, for any reason whatsoever. And there he was, Beau, saying hello like he invented the word. Beau didn’t fit the mold of the stereotypical haughty high school athlete. Beau broke that mold, and he broke the hearts of those who knew him and loved him after his tragic disappearance and passing.

Beau was a man with a plan. He was fabulously good with children, he loved his family and friends and he wanted to make a difference in this world we live in. In high school, he was a star on the field, on the court and in the classroom. He had a superb sense of humor, and somehow managed to bring light into every room he entered. No matter who was there, or what class, once Beau showed up you just knew everyone in that room was feeling good inside. He took pride in his work and had his priorities straight. I can’t recall a mean or nasty thing about another person ever exiting his mouth. He was a good person. Too good for this place.

When I first got word of Beau’s disappearance I didn’t believe a word. I figured it was some online hoax, something innocent and harmless put together by his best friends. Once I figured out the seriousness of Beau being missing, I -- along with many of my friends who knew Beau -- figured he’d just gotten himself lost. Maybe he met a beautiful Italian girl and ran away with her. Maybe he’d just slept through his first class. It was some scenario where Beau was -- in the end -- safe and sound. Unfortunately, none of these scenarios rang true.

I am not going to go into the details of the events leading to Beau’s passing. For his family’s sake and his friends' sake, I cannot do that. I am going to say this -- ever in my life have I had the privilege to know a better human.

Beau and I used to share a study period our senior year, and I fondly remember discussing life, college, family, parties, our different day-to-day struggles and laughing. Always lots and lots of laughing. We were also in the same period of Current Events, and he would always have such witty, utterly hilarious things to say. He really had an affinity for bringing the people together and bringing joy to the masses. These memories, these happy times in my life, they will forever be ingrained in me, and Beau is what made them what they are.

I have regrets. I wish I’d taken more time to talk to him, to get to know him more. I wish I had stayed connected with him during our first year at college. He was too good for this place. His hopes and dreams will not be forgotten. Every single person who had the fortune to know him, even ever so briefly, will forever walk this life striving to honor Beau’s memory. Whether that be in the work they do, or the light they bring into people’s lives, Beau will be there.

Beau got the short stick in this sick, twisted game of life. He got 19 years when he should have gotten more. Much more. And for that, I look up at the endless sky and say, "Thank you Beau. Thank you for being a blessing." Fly high, Beau.

All of my thoughts and prayers are with the Solomon Family and with all those who loved Beau.