Dear Gabe,
When it came to maturity, age was only but a number for you. Countless of times you served others through your kindness and selflessness. You were always thinking about how other people were doing and made sure to keep up with everyone despite how busy your schedule was. When I hear about all the different lives you've impacted, I know that your death was not in vain; God used you in your short lifespan to change and inspire those around you.
I was always amazed at your love and passion for God. Your responses to questions during Koin/bible study was not only a testament to your knowledge of the Word, but also the hunger you had in trying to learn more. Seeing your strong-rooted faith encouraged me to step up my game, and it made your spiritual struggles so much more relatable knowing that we both came from a Christian household background.
I've had many great memories with you. From the Vancouver trip back in the summer to every Sunday afternoon when we can never decide where to eat, there was never a dull moment whenever you were around. One of my favorite memories with you was when we were in the car listening to "This Kiss" by Carly Rae Jepsen, and while I was dancing in my seat you recorded a snap of me perfectly dabbing to the timing of the lyrics; everyone in the car couldn't stop laughing as we replayed the video.
I still can't believe that you're gone; everything just seems so surreal. Only a few days ago you were here, and in such a sudden moment, you parted from Earth to be with our heavenly Father.
I miss you. I miss your contagious smile; I miss being able to talk to you about my anxieties; I miss those hilarious exchanges we had whenever we looked at each other; I miss those moments when you'd pretend like you didn't know me every time I dabbed; I miss you so so very much.
What you have given to this world will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives in each and every one of us. Someday I want to be just as kind and welcoming as you, to be just as selfless and caring as you, to desire God just as much as you. There will be days where I stumble, days where I become complacent, days where I just feel like giving up, but I have to remind myself of you. I have to remember all the things that you've done with the time that you've been given and use that to make the most out of every opportunity I have.
Tomorrow is never promised, and you lived like there was no tomorrow. Things will be very different without you, but I will always remember and cherish the times we had together. I can't wait to tell you about everything once I see you again.
In the meantime, stay lit, fam,
I will see you in heaven.
Sincerely,
Your homie Jesse.
"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." -- Romans 14:8 NIV
