Memories

On July 2, 2011, one of my oldest and best friends back from elementary school, Scott Behrman, passed away.

Hey Scott - Chief - we've only got memories left.

I found out about his death on my way back from a getaway in the mountains and I didn't know what to make of it. Shock and disbelief were the first things that came to mind, of course, but I chose to keep all my reactions inside. They're really starting to pour out now.

A lot of my personality came from him, for sure. Scott was an incredibly funny and caring person and the years of elementary school we spent together will be unforgettable, especially our last year. Whenever I thought about that last year, I always though of the good times with Scott. He was my best friend. During my time with him, Scott was one of the first people I could say that I actually trusted. He was a dynamo, but he was someone who would never let a peep out about you if you didn't want anyone to find out.

I'm thankful that you trusted me enough to share some of the funniest secrets you have. I remember telling you one time about that "dream" that someone had about you, and I almost cried from laughter because you looked so disgusted! Of course, in classic Scott Behrman fashion, you decide to confront that person about the dream. Then what followed was a crazy day indeed. But maybe not as crazy as the one time we went swimming. You were the first person to get me to go on that slide!

Undoubtedly, his sense of humour rubbed off on me. Every class had its comedic moments, and Scott made sure to point them out. We always sat together until our teachers would split us up because we were making too much of a ruckus! I grew to like his type of humor in life, and I can see why he loved it. The smiles that one can create are the best rewards anyone can get. I learned to take my humorous side and share it with as many people as possible, thanks to him. I'd be a different person if it wasn't for this change. I wouldn't have found so much happiness without sharing the spoils of life with him. Scott showed me the brighter side of life - and it is a side that I've come to embrace even today. I feel that I have a positive outlook towards life, and Scott helped to shape that.

You even lit up the most awkward moments! I had tried to wrestle a pencil away from you, but Mrs. Christie saw us and she told us to hold hands like a couple during recess only (a pretty bad moment for little kids like us). But you just ended up saying, "What's so wrong about holding hands?"

The last time I saw him was at church (when he still had his Bieber hair). I remember what we talked about. We talked about our confirmation many years ago and how he went to the ceremony with a blue tongue from a piece of candy.

Chief, you wanted me to have some candy too, and I did! Then we took a million photos with other people, our blue tongues sticking out! I know I have them somewhere, I've got to look for them...

Then we got to talking about the future, and what we wanted to do next. I remember him telling me to pick something I'd love and enjoy, and just have fun.

Scotty, tons of people have told me that, but when I look back at that conversation, I'm thankful that you said it too. I learned from the best. I'd kill to have one more conversation with you - to see how much you've grown and to show you what a difference you made.

It was a pretty mature conversation for both of us. We were even dressed up and were sitting in a fairly empty hall, just talking. I didn't know that was the last time I'd see him. I'm glad that it is such a happy and fun memory.

That long conversation itself really characterized who he was. Scott knew how to have fun but when it got down to it, he'd be able to show how mature and smart he really was. He had a sense of humor that rubbed off on me that kept a smile plastered on everyone's faces, including his. The only time his smile would go away was when he would be working - his work ethic was uncharacteristically great.

I still remember how hard you'd work. You asked me questions, and I'd answer them. You had a knack of really catching on and working at it. You'd tap that pencil constantly, but it never bugged me, that's for sure. That was your beat, and you lived by it.

But most importantly, Scott was a loving and kind person. He genuinely cared for the people he was with, even when he was at an age where you were focused on video games and first dates. He knew how to make you smile, and he knew how to warm your heart. I know, for sure, that as he got older, that love and attention he gave the people around him grew stronger as well.

He was fun, exciting, charismatic, and just loved life - and the people in his life. That is how I'll remember Scott. I'm so fortunate to have known him.

Undoubtedly, he'll live on in the smiles that he put on people's faces. He'll live on in the laughs that we experience. He'll live on because people were touched by his light. People will live for Scott Behrman, and I choose to be one of those people.

I'll miss you, chief.