.....
I can't sleep.
I have an early day ahead and I can't fall asleep.
My mind is spinning, yet blank. All at the same time.

Almost a year ago, I received a terrible phone call. A phone call that caused me to think about things and deal with emotions I never imagined having to deal with at that point in my life.

The death of a friend.

Today, the situation was all too familiar.
A familiarity I wasn't fond of.

As I scrolled through Facebook as I left work, I came across an awful sentence informing me that this sweet, talented, kind-hearted boy had left this Earth.

I didn't know details at that point, but in that instant, so many emotions came flooding back.

Denial. Surely this was a mistake.
Anger. Of all people, not him.
Sadness. Instant tears as I climbed into my car.

I didn't know Kris extremely well. But I loved him. He was always quick to greet you with a warm, genuine smile. He wanted to know about your life. He cared completely.

The last time I saw Kris was a couple weeks ago while I was at dinner with my grandparents. He was working at Golden Corral that night, and just so happened to be our server. We chatted, I introduced him to my grandparents, we had a good time. Each time he walked away after filling out drinks or taking an empty plate, my grandma would say something kind about him. How great she could tell he was in just that minor interaction.

I never imagined that would be the last conversation I would have with him.

.....

In times like these though, I realize how grateful I am for the things I know.
The things about life.
The things about death.
The things about forever.

You will be missed Kris.
You touched countless people.
Our campus, our world, our lives won't be the same without you.