In Memory of You

Last night a terrible accident happened. I lost my cousin, Michael Ramos. Honestly nothing feels real. I never saw him very often since we got older, so I don't think it's hit me yet.

Melanie, Adam, Michael and I are all relatively around the same age. Melanie being the oldest, Adam a few months younger, then me and then Michael. We used to have teams, like Adam and I were the "Double A batteries" while Melanie and Michael were "M&M's". We were corny.

We hung out nearly every weekend growing up, and spent the majority of our summers together. We told ghost stories, rode our bikes and scooters, played copious amounts of video games, played pretend with nerf guns and swords, and best of all laughed and joked and had the most awesome times. I remember when Adam and Michael would sleep over our house we'd made so much racket that Mama and Titi Maggie would come upstairs and yell at us. The next mornings were always the laziest. We'd wake up late and eat lots of pancakes and cereal and pick up on the video games right where we left off.

Those were definitely the good old days. Back when nothing mattered, and nothing was important. I will never forget those memories.

Smart, witty, funny, and the damn best athlete I've ever known. My biggest regret will forever be not witnessing one of your legendary races. You were headed for the Olympics, and that wasn't just far fetched dreaming. You were always going places, whether it was cooking, or running, or nursing you were always destined for greatness. You were taken from us far too soon, far too young. Without ever getting the chance of realizing all those big dreams.

This past summer Mike was working at a summer camp and made me an anklet. I don't think I'll be taking it off anytime soon.

May you Rest in Peace my love.
March 3, 1993 - January 22, 2013