Dave – It’s still a bit hard to believe you’re no longer with us. The news was quite a shock to say the least. I was really sorry I didn’t get to attend your memorial service,,,the last day of school is one you just can’t miss – I figured you would understand.
I decided this past Saturday to go visit your grave site to say my good-byes. I knew it was in Oakwood Cemetery, but had a bit of a hard time finding it. In my search I saw two birds perched atop a gravestone, so I figured it was a sign I’d eventually come upon it. Luckily, the man that creates the stones appeared to place markers on other sites. I told him what I was trying to find and although he had to think for a moment, he soon pointed out exactly where it was located.
And so I said my official good-byes, at least for now. It’s a bit hard to know exactly what to say, but I spoke of our friendship and it was all from the heart. I remember first getting to know you in high school and then college. You always had something interesting to share, whether it was current events or stories of sports teams from long ago. I recall the time when we both commuted to Lenoir-Rhyne and a snowstorm arrived during one of our classes. I offered to give you a ride home, but you assured me your vehicle and you would be able to make it home safely, which you did.
I saw your father’s gravestone beside your plot and acknowledged that you were once again together with each other. Since you were always one interested in things of a historical nature, I noticed that you had died exactly forty-four years and one day after he had passed. I would imagine he was one of the first to greet you when you arrived in your heavenly home.
You were always a person of great courage and I will always remember you as one that never gave up, despite all the obstacles you faced. You taught me one of life’s most important lessons when it came how to relate to other people. I began to see you not as a person with a handicap, but as a gifted individual with so many talents to offer the world. And for that, I will forever be grateful.
Until we meet again my friend,
David 
David Lee 