I was 19, trying to figure out college, friends, family, and myself. I was free for the first time and it felt good. BUT I needed a job. How was I going to be truly independent if I didn’t have any income. Cinema N’Drafthouse was my first waitressing job. My friend, Jen promised me it would be cake and that I could make good money. Funny, she quit not long after I started working there. It was here that I would meet you.

As we bustled through the kitchen, bowties and cumberbunds suffocating the very lifeforce of individuality we were, we quickly connected. “Other” Jen and you were already friends and you guys brought me into your inner circle quickly. Every shift was tolerated through so much giggling, hiding from our bosses, joking, and snarking. I remember working our schedules out with each other so we could all work together. This would guarantee a potent concoction you would come up with for Jen and I to hide in our cubbies as you tended bar most shifts. You had this way of cheering me up on the shitty shift days and most evening shifts were followed by a Bennigans gathering. It made sense that we became such good friends outside the restaurant because we just got each other.

Remember when we used to go to raves and dance all night long? All I can ever remember is how much fun we had dancing under the lights and your smile. You had the best smile. You were also always accompanied by amazing women, women I love to this day who impacted my life greatly. When Jen and I moved into our apartment on Monument together, I’d get so excited on your visits. They would be filled with talking shit, jokes, music, and hanging out on Jen’s bed and when you guys had a tiff, I’d get upset myself because that meant you wouldn’t be comig by for a bit.

I have this memory of you, with your backpack on, quickly walking through Shafer Court to your next class, but always with a hello and “I gotta tell you something later” shout. I don’t recall ever having a bad moment with you.You were a bright light in my otherwise boring world. Even the years our lives changed and moved on, we were always friends.

I’m so sad to learn you are gone. That your light no longer emits in this world for others to be warmed by it. I’m sad I don’t ever get to reconnect with you so we can reminisce on those baggy pants techno theater days. I’m glad I got those moments with you because it’s how I will always remember you, my Awesome Jason. I hope your still dancing.

Sidenote: I wish I had a photo of us somewhere, but alas cameras were not easily accessible during this time and so all I have is the memories I store on my brain card.