I met Joseph Delaune our sophomore year of high school at his girlfriend’s 16th birthday party. Little did I know that from meeting him at a party, that he would soon become one of my best friends later on.
We became really close toward the end of my junior year and all throughout senior year. We were “waffle” buddies, which meant we were always holding hands with our fingers interlaced. His girlfriend Brooke, who was one of my closest girlfriends, claimed that if he wasn’t dating her that I was next in line. We always took pictures, jokingly of me and her fighting over him. It was a running joke among all our friends.
Our friend group was very close in high school and we still are. We’ve all been through a lot together, especially recently. About a year ago, we found out that Joseph was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a type of cancer located in bones or soft tissue. My heart was broken; the nicest guy I knew was diagnosed with a deadly disease that I knew nothing about. I instantly called Brooke and asked her for more information about it, with my friend MaryLynn. She reassured us that he was going to be okay and that they had the best doctors working on his case. This helped me calm down a little but I was still preparing for the worst.
Fast-forward to a few months ago, Joseph found out that the chemo wasn’t working and that they would have to switch to radiation treatments. In typical Joseph manner, he was super positive that this would knock out the tumor and that he was going to be okay. This news shocked our friends, but since he was so positive we couldn't help but be hopeful too. Unfortunately, the treatments didn’t work and he was sent home this past Monday to receive hospice care.
When I heard these news, my world stopped. I couldn’t believe that I was possibly going to lose a good friend, someone who I looked up too. After freaking out for about an hour, my mother calls me, crying, saying that Joseph proposed to Brooke and his dying wish was to marry her – the next day. I’ve been waiting for this day since high school, Brooke and I always talked about her wedding day, so hearing this made me jump for joy! While it was a sad time, it was so nice to be able to have the chance to celebrate my favorite couple and their love of one another. All our friends from high school were able to come in town on such short notice to be a part of this beautiful day.
Sadly, the next day we lost Joseph. He passed away Thursday morning surrounded by his wife and family, peacefully.
Joseph was the smartest, funniest, kindest, young man I have ever known. His faith in God, even throughout his journey, blew my mind. He was always the one that everyone went to for advice. I remember him always being there for me no matter what, always there to make me smile. My all time favorite memory of him was when he came down to Lafayette for my birthday after being recently diagnosed. I didn’t expect for him to come but he was determined to. He came while on crutches, but had a huge smile on his face despite being in pain. He was a true friend to all and especially me.
I will always remember you, Joseph. Your love for Brooke makes me want to find someone who loves me just as much. Your strong faith is one that I aspire to have. You were the best person I’ve ever known and I am so grateful to have been able to call you a close friend. I'll miss you, Waffle Buddy.
**This article is dedicated to Brooke Delaune and my close-knit group of friends from high school**
