I finally got internet for the first time in a couple days and I found out through facebook, and then some online newspaper articles, that a classmate from my hometown drowned in a kayaking accident. I was in such shock...I could not believe that the stories were true. I kept rereading the articles in disbelief and then looking for more recent ones, hoping for a happy ending.
For some reason, my mind kept envisioning scenes from Huckleberry Finn - particularly when the townspeople thought that Huck drowned, but he was actually just in the woods nearby. I thought perhaps my former classmate, being an expert kayaker, made it to a shore somewhere and, like Huck, is still alive after all.
I realized that I kept thinking of Huckleberry Finn because I read that book in the one class I had with him in high school. I almost did not take that class, but I switched into it during the second week of sophomore year. That class had a handful of boys who liked to joke around with and distract the teacher. I admired her patience with them, but sometimes I felt like they took advantage of her sweetness and acted disrespectfully by making fun of her. What I liked about Steve was that his jokes always seemed more lighthearted than the rest. He did not have to put anyone down to be funny, a skill that not everyone possesses. And when he made a joke, everyone laughed because he had that kind of humor that we all could appreciate. Sometimes I really dreaded that class because the boys talked so loudly that I actually got headaches by the end of 45 minutes. Steve's witty remarks truly kept my sanity through some of those classes.
The teacher partnered us up a couple times and I remember being taken aback by his warm personality. When I talked, he would look at me straight in the eyes in a unique way that showed he was really listening. He had one of the most contagious smiles that I have ever seen and he put people in a good mood. I do not know anyone who did not get along with Steve. If I wrote a list of 5 people from high school who I wish I could have gotten to know better, he would definitely be on there.
I remember for our final, we had to write about what we would do if we could do anything in the world and then present it to the class. I cannot remember all the details, but I remember he wrote about becoming a professional kayaker. He talked about his experience thus far with kayaking, making it seem like the most exciting sport in the world. That fall, he attended a different high school and pursued his dream of kayaking at a higher level. Even though many people missed him, I think we were all impressed by his determination, skill, and passion for the sport. His good friends always waited for him to come back home to get to see him again. It makes me sad that now there can be no end to missing him.
Steve lived life to the fullest, the way we all should try to live. He took more risks in his 19 years than many people take in 80. I am dedicating today's post to him because even though I only knew him from one class, I spent the day thinking and grieving over the news. Although he did not officially graduate with our class, I think we all still considered him a part of it. My heart goes out to his friends and family. He left such a mark on everyone he met and his story reminds us that we must conquer our fears and take risks in life in order to live our dream. No matter how many years pass by from now, his unforgettable smile, his lust for life, his dedication to his dream, and so many of his other inspiring qualities will live on through the memories of everyone who knew him.
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