I have to say the obvious. That pretty much every girl in school had a crush on Steve. Who could blame them? It was much more than him being such a cutie, it was his boyish charm, gentle smile and the ability to lift you up whenever you felt like you didn't have a friend in the world. I can remember a day when I was down back in Jr. High (I can't even remember what was bothering me~most likely boyproblems...lol) but he and I sat on the curb him working his usual magic. I always felt good after talking to Steve he just had that way about him. He was like the little brother I didn't have... and although we lost touch over the years he left a huge impression in my life, just like the lives of so many others. He set the standard of how a girl should be treated and most of all exactly how to be a true friend. We all will miss you but you will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts.

August 11, 2011

I just want to say thank you to the Redd family for the beautiful services the last few days. I knew Steven was an amazing person before I left for Utah but hearing his life stories gave me an even greater appreciation for who Steven grew up to be. What I didn't know about Steven was that his amazing family & friends have many of the characteristics that Steven had... people who I had never met before, who made me feel like I had known them just as long as I had known him. His children spitting images of their dad. His son had me thinking I was in Jr high again when I saw him. More than just that he looks like his dad, his mannerisms and the way I watched him provide comfort to those grieving reminded me of the Steve I knew at his age and how he would comfort many of us during our times of turmoil depsite whatever he was facing himself. The amazing strength each and everyone one of his children have is definitely a legacy he passed onto them. It's apparent seeing them that the greatest gift that he gave each one of them is each other all they have to do is look and they will see their dad during the times they need him the most.

I also want to say thank you to everyone who was out with us last night for allowing us to be part of celebrating his life. I had the best time! Steve was blessed to have you all in his life. Instead of leaving Utah sad at losing an old friend I am thankful for all the new friends I've gained. Just the way Steve intended it to be I'm sure.....

I have promised myself that everyday I will remember the message from one of the speakers during his service that spoke about a dream Steve once had of not being ready to enter heaven because he still had work to do here on earth... the gift that Steve left all of us by making us ask ourselves "What is YOUR legacy?

From each and every one of us... we miss you and love you my friend!!!

August 20, 2011

I was going through the recent posts on here and am glad that we are all still connected. Reading the posts, old and new reminds me of what my mom used to always tell me...treat everyone as if today was their last day on earth and every encounter as if it were your last chance to make positive difference in that persons life. I was very thankful for that advice even though there were certainly times when those sentiments went to the wayside.
Before I lost my mom 3 yrs ago, I tried to treat her the best I could everyday. I was fortunate enough to have her long past what the Dr.'s expected and I never passed up the opportunity to tell her how much I loved her and was blessed to have been born her child. I had no regrets, I know I wasn't the perfect daughter but she loved me just the same...
We don't all get that kind of chance but we can all thank Steve for this amazing opportunity to move forward in life treating those we care about with the same love and dedication as we could hope for ourselves . Today is the day to tell your loved ones how much you care about them, today is the day to thank someone for making a difference in your life, today is the day to do that one amazing thing that you always put off until tomorrow, today is the day to hold your head up high and make a change for the better no matter how insignificant it may seem.

Today, I want to thank Steve for the most amazing gift that anyone could give. Steve gave us eachother. Lost friends from chlidhood as well as new friends from different corners of the earth. He knew we would all need each other not only to get through his passing but to get us through life with renewed strength in numbers.

Thank you Steve for MY today. I will use your gift wisely my friend