Sunday, October 26, 2014

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=822713837793333

This text thread will be forever seared into my memory.  Chad Bridges, you deserved better and I am so sorry.  So sorry for the times I let you down.  I did.  Sorry I wasn't there for you the times you needed me.  I wasn't.  Sorry the path you had to go down was so much harder than so many others.  You absorbed and took so much for so many, including me, and I didn't do a good enough job making sure you knew that.  You had the biggest heart and best intentions of just about anyone I can think of.  Everyone has the same story to tell about you: you lifted them up or had their back.  Most likely both.  No questions asked.

The world needs more people like you.  And the world needs to give those people a better chance than it gave you.  But I'm also so grateful.  Not only were you in my life, you were my cousin.  We had times no one will ever understand.  Equal parts cowboy, punk rock, and gangster.  We practically lived together.  We worked.  We fought.  Each other and others.  Skated Grover.  Shredded Hazards, Jalama and the Ranch.  Owned the Narrows.  Chased girls.  Rebelled like hell.  Backed down to no one, ever.  Odds were irrelevant.

We battled our demons.  Always looked out for each other.  You were my brother.  And I am grateful for all of that and so much more.  I love you, miss you so much and will never forget you or your spirit.  "This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you."