Carl

Just over 10 years ago I lost someone very close to me. Someone who had so much of his life still ahead of him. But regardless of how long he lived in his mortal body, he played an incredible part in my life. 

In 1991 I was almost three years old when my family moved from Colorado to Arizona. It was not long after that I met a brown skinned, curly haired kid named Carl. I can't say I remember the first time we met, but I remember that we were always the best of friends. 

Growing up I was a pretty shy and timid kid, but not Carl. He was adventurous, determined, and ambitious. He was a dreamer. At one point he wanted to be a dolphin trainer at Sea World, as well as an airplane pilot. If he was still alive today I would not be surprised if ended up doing both. 

Carl was one of the few people I know that always chased his dreams and did what made himself happy. If he wanted to do something he never stopped to hesitate, he went after it and did it. He lived his life the way he wanted but he always made sure to include people in his adventures. I don’t know if I have ever met a more fun person than Carl. He was always up for anything and everything. 

One of my favorite memories was when Carl, and our friend Zack and I were about 13. We spent most of the day in the wave pool at Big Surf riding the waves with our rafts. As the day was coming to an end Carl leaned over to Zack and I and said “This is the best day ever”. The thing is, that’s pretty much how almost every day ended with Carl. 

Like I mentioned before, I was a shy and timid little boy, and sometimes those traits still resonate in me. Sometimes I hesitate to go after the things that I want, and sometimes I wish I would be more determined and adventurous. I wish I had my friend Carl by my side to help me with these things. 

But today, 10 years after his death, I hope that rather than sitting around and expecting things to happen, I am determined to be more like Carl and go after what I want. Not waiting around for life to happen, but to go live my dreams. Make time for the important people in my life. 

End each day by saying "This is the best day ever". And just like Carl, do the things that make me happy! I love you buddy, thank you for making my life so much fun and teaching me to chase after my dreams. Until we meet again!