The day you passed away is still fresh in my mind. Even more so than I’d like it to be. I woke up to dozen of text messages from our friends. Some of them were were followed by a period and others by a question mark. “Did Vinny die?” “Vinny died last night.” “Sam, Vinny died last night”. In a state of shock I checked your Facebook page. It was true, you were really gone. I began to confirm for those who sent me text with question marks and I began to share my disbelief with those who already knew the truth.
At your funeral, I cried mostly because I imagined the pain you suffered when you died. I imagine your car hitting that stonewall and your friends being unable to save you. I imagine their guilt for not being able to rescue you from the flames. I hear your mother’s cries as clear as day and I still hear your cousin trying to keep it together during his speech. I remember standing there regretting that I showed up. I remember crying in our friends arms because no ceremony was going to take this pain away.
Vin, I’ve never lost a person so young before. You were one of the first people I met in college, I thought you were so odd. You always had a smile on your face and you were always a sweetheart. When you decided to live off campus we all missed you like crazy. I was so happy that spring semester when I found you in the library every morning before class. I still have our stupid text.
You broke our hearts buddy.. I just wish you had the chance to live. You were a beautiful soul that deserved to flourish. You touched so many of us. You’ve also taught us so much. That day,the day you died.. We told each other I love yous and made promises never meant to be broken. I love you Vinny. I wish you were here.
Sincerely,
Samantha
