Sunday, June 15, 2008

Travis Alexander "The Great"






Last week I lost a dear friend to a horrible unanswered act of violence. The emotional roller coaster I have been on has been incredibly difficult but I am so very grateful for the wonderful and supportive ward that I am in. 
Travis and I met 4 years ago in the Desert Ridge ward. I still remember the first day I saw him, he was wearing a cream suit, Alligator shoes and gleaming petal pink tie. My first impression was something like "Hellooo Mr. Metro Sexual!". I mean this kid was fully trimmed, tailored and primped all the way to perfectly manicured hands! I guess I was a bit skeptic but as soon as he introduced himself I found him incredibly amusing and we became fast friends. 
Trav and I used to talk about everything. Life, love, fashion, goals and dreams. He inspired me to be a strong, compassionate individual yet was still able to show me what amazing potential I had especially when I constantly doubted myself. We kept in touch when I moved to Connecticut and he helped through the difficult time when my engagement ended. He always reminded me how special I was and that I would get through this rough patch.
This past year Trav and I didn't hang out much but we remained close. The last time I saw him was June 1st after Stake Conference. We started chatting about his plans to go to Argentina so he could properly learn how to dance because he believed you weren't truly a gentleman unless you could Samba. He told me about his book that he had been writing and encouraged me to check out his blog www.travisalexander.net so he could get my opinion. We discussed relationships and how hard they had been for us. He revealed that he had an ex girlfriend who wouldn't leave him alone and was trying to ruin his life and I shared that I was trying to get over a relationship that had left me utterly heartbroken. We decided from that point on we would hang out as much as we could. Trav and I spoke close to 3 hours that day and after we parted ways I received a text message from him stating that he was very grateful for the conversation, it was something he needed and that it had made his week. I returned the sentiment because it was positively refreshing to have spent that time with him. He later texted me saying he had bought an Audrey Hepburn book for me a few days prior to our conversation and wanted to give it to me at FHE on Monday. I was thrilled at the sweet thought he had put in on my behalf and said I looked forward to seeing him soon. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to FHE that night but we agreed to meet later in the week. That was the last I heard from my dear friend. He was found the following Monday and the last time he was in contact with someone was Wednesday night. I was devastated beyond belief. How could I have recently reconnected with someone who lifted me and several others up so much only to have him taken so quickly. I then realized what a blessing Heavenly Father gave me by letting me have that last meaningful conversation with Travis. I miss his charming personality, his 1000 watt smile but most of all how he made anyone he came in contact with feel that they were supremely special and important. My thoughts and prayers are with Travis's family and I am truly grateful for my knowledge on the Plan of Salvation because I know I will see him again. You will be missed Travis.