Memories

Someone that I considered a friend passed away yesterday. He was young, vibrant, insanely talented, and possessed a large, kind heart. His death is saddening and shocking, but I wanted to use this little bit of space to remember him.

He was a rapper that went by Meuwl, a graffiti artist that went by Psst, and a really wonderful person that went by Sam Harshbarger.

The easiest way to try to explain the type of relationship I had with Sam is to say that, even when I wanted to grab him by the shoulders and shake him out of frustration (which happened a couple times), I still had to hug him the second I saw him. And those who know me really well know that I don't hug unless I mean it. And I always meant it.

I didn't get to see Sam often but I remember the last time I saw him. I went to the closing ceremonies for the Hip-Hop Boot Camp this past summer. I didn't know Sam was going to be teaching, but was just thrilled to see him. I hugged him and said "God I've missed you!" I then proceeded to tease him about showing up the one year I couldn't be there.

I'm so glad I saw him that day. I had no idea it would be the last time but wouldn't have changed a thing even if I did. I feel for his family, both his biological family and his musical family. He was loved by many and will be remembered with as much laughter as there are tears.