I am writing this story as I remember times with Travis and my son Jay. When my son called me to share the tragic news of his death, we cried together and I felt a pain for my son that a mother can't take away...the loss of his best friend.
There were so many times that Travis and Jay were together either at my home or Travis' home. Liz and I took turns entertaining the boys and enjoying their company. Travis and Jay shared a friendship that few get to share, and I so enjoyed Travis being around. He was a most polite and compassionate young man.
My fondest memory was this past summer when Travis knocked on the door and when I opened it and saw him standing there, my mouth fell and he gave me the biggest hug and hello. He spent over an hour visiting and telling us all about his experiences in the Navy and school. Once the boys graduated from High School it was difficult to keep tabs on them, but this visit brought back lots of reminiscing and stories from that time. We called Jay at work and I said to him, "I have someone here that would like to say hello if you have just a minute" His reply was " you do..and who might that be?" When I told him it was Travis he was so blown away and excited. They talked for a few and then Travis headed to meet Jay at work so they could enjoy some time together. Travis got to see Jay's home and meet the lady in his life. This time together was the last memory that we and Jay would have of Travis. I am so thankful to have experienced this time with Travis and to think that he took the time to put us on his list of people to visit only shows the kind of young man he was. As I sat through his funeral service and watched his classmates grieve for their friend, a song came to my mind that I would like to share with others. The song is sung by Jordan Hill and is titled "Remember Me This Way"...
Every now and then
We find a special friend
Who never lets us down
Who understands it all
Reaches out each time you fall
You're the best friend that I've found
I know you can't stay
A part of you will never ever go away
Your heart will stay
I'll make a wish for you
And hope that it will come true
That life would be just kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back to yesterday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way
I don't need eyes to see
The love you bring to me
No matter where I go
And I know that you'll be there
Forever more a part of me, you're everywhere
I'll always care
I'll make a wish for you
And hope that it will come true
That life would just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back to yesterday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way
And I'll be right behind your shoulder watching you
I'll be standing by your side and all you do
And I won't ever leave
As long as you believe
You just believe
I'll make a wish for you
And hope that it comes true
That life would just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back to yesterday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way
We love you Travis and you will always bring us wonderful memories. May peace be with you on your next journey .
Wendy and Jeff Long
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