You were humble-you got that from me

(I thought that would be a funny title-even though it's true)

Yesterday Lydia came over to work on a documentary she's making about YOU! She requested that Jake and Hope be there for some questions. She already asked me a few a few months ago at church. They weren't about your accident so they weren't sad-they were things like your favorite memory of Hayden, what Hayden taught you, what reminds you of Hayden, etc.

For the question what did you learn from Hayden, Jake went on and on about how humble you were and you never took any credit for yourself, even when other people were bragging and in your face, etc. This was true in water polo and even in card games. Even though you were one of the best water polo players in the state, you still didn't brag about or anything and complimented others on their successes. Jake said that he used to be like that where he would get in people's faces about his skills but then learned from you to not be like that so much. What a great characteristic to pass on to others! So proud of you boy!

For his favorite memory of you, Jake said there were a lot, but he mentioned the lake house of course and how one thing he remembers is last year on the 4th of July how you both went out on the white floaty things after the fireworks and talked and talked but also were quiet. He said you were looking at the stars and there were still a few stray fireworks going off here and there. He said the water was warm but you guys were a little chilly on top of the floaty things.

For things that reminded him of you, he mentioned certain songs and Jared, his car (even though it's totaled now) and the lake house again. He said you guys went pretty much every weekend there last summer. I am so thankful for that! I know you loved it there.

Hope said some wonderful things as well, like how great of a big brother you were (we knew that!) It will be nice to see the finished film, although I am sure I will hate the part of me (how I look anyway). It is very nice of Lydia to do that. Everyone loves you so much! So do I!

(On the way to our house, Lydia and I were talking about Camp CoBeAc and she mentioned how one night the cute guys had to go on stage and share their best pick-up line. She said Hayden's was "I must have died and gone to heaven, because you're a perfect little angel." How cute! She said she was surprised that you came up with that. Love you!)