Life

A good college friend of mine past away suddenly Saturday night. Jason Yarrington was one of those people that lived life on his terms with no apologies. He never felt the need to be anything other than himself. He was iconic. Everyone who had the honor of knowing him was friends with him. He was just one of a kind. Just thinking about him makes me smile. To say his passing will leave a hole is an understatement.

Proof of this is how quickly the news of his passing spread. I've been remembering all kinds of college memories. Road trips, weddings, nights at the bars, nights dancing on bars, house parties with $4 beers, headband/ankle club events in basements, APO National Conventions, political discussions, 101 Wash, cramming into the Pio, spuds at Mogies, hanging out in the cube, Happy Hour at Brother's, bumming smokes off of Jason.

My college years at UW-Eau Claire were simply AWESOME. It was due in big part to Alpha Phi Omega and the people I met. The people that became friends and remain friends today. It's such a cliche to say that death makes you reevaulate your life but it's true. Last weekend I had the chance to see some friends I hadn't seen for far too long. This, along with the loss of Jason, reminded me of how much I really missed them. It has been nearly 10 years since I graduated and left Eau Claire. My friends have gotten married, had kids, moved out of state, stayed in state, and lived their lives. But I am more grateful today than yesterday that I have such amazing people that I am lucky enough to call friends. It isn't everyday that a group of people can stay as connected as we have. We are blessed.

To all my friends: Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for the memories. I love you and miss you.