Everything reminds me of Drew

On Thursday they set Drew's headstone. I think it looks awesome. Drew would love it.

It's almost been three months since Drew died. I think about him frequently, every day. Everything reminds me of him.

For example, yesterday I was driving my scooter by Walgreens and I thought about the last time I was with him outside of his house and how we stopped to get gum and some prescriptions. I'm always thinking about whether or not he would like this movie or this food. Drew ate a piece of gum from this same pack. I should text Drew to tell him about the new bishopric. I wish I could spend time with Drew on my b-day. Drew would want to go to this concert. He'd be up for this road trip. Drew edited the bad stuff out of this movie. Drew loved to go to Best Buy. I used to go to the temple with Drew and I loved it. Drew loved Fuddruckers but he'd go to Five Guys cause I like it.

Before Drew died, I didn't really let my mind think about him dying. I would just tell myself, "he's still here, just be happy you get to spend time with him." When I was with him I always wanted to make things feel as normal and real as possible. I remember restraining myself from stopping him from doing the dishes at my house that last week. I thought, if he feels up to doing the dishes, then I should let him. Before I left his house, the last time I saw him (May 22), I said, "see ya tomorrow."

In the fall, when volleyball starts and a new season of Survivor begins, I'll be reminded of Drew time and time again. I'm happy for the reminders and the memories. I remember talking with Drew about what it will be like after we die. We both came up with all kinds of ideas and I keep thinking now how lucky he is because he actually knows. I'm a bit jealous.

I made this video for Drew's b-day. I'm not the only friend of Drew who loves and misses him.

Here are some words of advice Drew gave me as well as a few things he taught me by his example:

• You can’t fight crazy
• Don’t let other people determine your happiness
• Don’t complain
• Serve others
• Attend the temple
• Bear testimony simply and in the way you live your life
• Find the unique things about people and embrace them
• Get to know people
• Always be nice
• Always be real
• Be generous with your time and your money and yourself
• Always make people feel like they are the only ones in the room
• Ask questions
• Think before you speak
• How you feel matters only to you. What you do matters to others.
  
• Stay funny
• Patient persistence
• Live life to have fun
• Develop meaningful relationships with family and friends
• Take care of your body
• Love yourself