My Best Friend
By Keith D. FreeloveI first met Travis the summer after our freshman year. We were both in summer school and both wanted to play football in the fall. We saw each other through the summer at weight training and so the saga begins.
I have so many memories of Travis that it is hard to know when and where it begins. whether it was sitting on the bus going to a game and going over plays or in the cafeteria trying to make each other laugh. Somehow we always wound up in class together and I remember if it weren't for the help of some of our friends (Jennifer Knout, Rachel Vanburen, Jaime Pasquine etc.) we wouldn't have made it through chemistry and government and a few others that i cant remember.
I remember finishing homework with him in the few minutes before class began, any class. We worked on some projects together and had a blast doing it. We played football together for 3 years and ran indoor track for 3 also. He was my best friend through high school. We had dreams of being in the Navy Seals together. Our senior year I joined the Navy and have been in ever since, they wouldn't let Travis join because of his hip. He was heart broken and went to Norwich, no matter what anybody said Travis had a love for the military.
We talked a few times through the years, we even saw each other one Christmas when we were both on leave. The few times that we did talk I could tell that Travis loved the Navy and enjoyed what he was doing. It kind of sucked that we didn't see that much of each other after high school, but the few times that we did talk it meant a lot.
I remember when I got the call from Jen Knout in early November, I was at CATTC school in Pensacola. This guy, who was my best friend in high school, had died. I hadn't seen him in years and yet my heart was ripped apart. I tried my best to get there but i just couldn't make it happen. I truly do wish that I had got there for the funeral, I was there in heart and soul.
Liz, I offer my condolences and apologies for not making it there. He will be missed and loved. My prayers go out to you and your family.
To Travis,
Fair winds and following seas buddy, I love ya and I will miss you.
God blessKeith D. Freelove