A comfortable friend
When talking about Jamie, one thing that everyone can agree on is that he was kind and warm to everyone. High school was a brutal time for everyone. I had a hard time making friends - I was a strange and awkward girl who no one really understood and who wasn’t close with a lot of people. When I joined band class, I was one of several people who were enamoured by Jamie right away. His skills as a drummer far surpassed his confidence. I hope he knew how good he was. He was cute, which didn’t hurt of course. Every time I’d shyly smile and wave at him, he would smile back and ask how I was doing. A few called me “Carlybear”, and he was one of them. I’d never say that we were really good friends, but he was one of few who made me feel important.
He didn’t have an unkind word to say about anyone. Last year, our last conversation ended with him telling me that I was always a good friend who he felt comfortable with. I never responded - one of several moments I will come to regret. It’s a good lesson that no matter how busy life gets, always make time to tell those who mean a lot to you that they are important.
Jamie, thank you for always being so darn nice.