Last week, one of my high school friends past away. When I found out, I was quite in shock and in disbelief. Of all the ways to find out, it was through Facebook when Bobby, his younger brother, posted a R.I.P. in his status update.
Tonight was Shawn’s vigil. Chai and Laura accompanied me. There were quite a number of THS band members present as well.
During the vigil, I remembered how back in high school, how some of us were in Shawn’s car when the brakes gave away while on Sepulveda Blvd. Shawn’s quick thinking got us safely alive to a parking lot where he did donuts until the car came to a complete stop. I also thought of the time Shawn cleaned out his trumpet with the cleaning snake in the band room’s sink, and a slug (not a real one) came out. I also remembered the times I would see him working at fast food restaurants here and there after high school.
My only regret right now is that I didn’t stay in touch with him. At least I know that Shawn was a wonderful person even after high school.
Tomorrow is Shawn’s Mass.