Clay



It is with a heavy heart that I write this. Today I learned that my friend Clay passed away. I felt like I should do something in memory of him, hence this blog post.

I'm not even sure when I met Clay, he was always around. We had classes together at TCU and we lived in the same building. He was one of those people that you don't even have to try to make friends with, it was like we were friends as soon as we met.

His smile was so contagious, he absolutely exuded happiness. He knew everyone, and everyone knew him.

Shoot…I can't remember someone's name five minutes after they introduce themselves…but Clay could. He was intelligent and sweet, truly caring. The kind of person that would give you the shirt off his back if you asked.

He was also an incredibly talented dancer. It takes a lot of stamina and a lot of guts to go through the School of Classic and Contemporary Dance at TCU. Heck…I would probably take one look at those skin tight leggings and bolt.

But Clay had so much talent and finesse.

All of TCU loved Clay. He was a Horned Frog through and through.

I can't really believe that he's gone. But in his twenty some years of life, you can rest assured that he touched plenty of lives.

One of my favorite memories of him is from my last day at TCU before graduation. I walked out of the building, all wrapped up in my own cacophony of contemplative thoughts and feelings…and I ran into Clay. He wished me good luck at graduation, said that he'd be there to watch some of his friends graduate. Although the same age, he told me that he'd be graduating the next year.

I said something to the effect of … man, a whole 'nuther year! And he just smiled and said he couldn't imagine it any other way. His absolute love of TCU was just so apparent. His warmth and sincerity were unmatched.

It's hard not to be frustrated, confused, angry or sad - but I just remind myself that that is the last thing Clay would want! He has such a beautiful soul…so beautiful that you could see it's vibrancy here on Earth. Even people who barely knew him grieve his loss.

I imagine that he's in heaven, about to celebrate his first glorious, heavenly Christmas. He probably knows everyone's name already and has been cast to dance in the celebrations. I'm sure that he is looking down upon all who miss him.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Clay York was, and always will be my friend, and Mr. TCU.

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