I met Steve at Bonneville Elementary in 1988. I don’t recall much of our interactions from that period of time, however, I do remember my best friend was very tall and had a birthmark. I moved away in March of 1989 and as 5 year-olds do, became consumed in my new surroundings. Steve remained at Bonneville until 3rd grade and later moved to Sandy, Utah and then again relocated to Pleasant Grove, Utah. Steve’s family had a rich tradition at Orem High and instead of attending school in Pleasant Grove he was enrolled at Canyon View Junior High – a feeder school to Orem High. Steve played defense for our freshman football team. He wore striped Nike socks that were blue and white and made his height stand out like he was a character from a Dr. Seuss book.
Stephanie and I met at Lakeridge Junior High. She was part of the same group as the girl I liked so we came to be friends through mutual friends. Later, in Utah History we discovered we both had an affinity for Pearl Jam, although her infatuation with Eddie Vedder was based on different criteria than mine. One of the most embarrassing stories about Steph was the first day I saw her without make-up. “Are you sick Steph?” To which she wryly responded with “No, I just didn’t put any make-up on today. Jerk.”
When it came time to move on to high school, Stephanie lived across town and should have attended the rival high school of the one I attended. Her friendships, and perhaps their excellent educators may have been among the reasons that brought her to Orem High. I remember going to Hogi Yogi in the Riverwoods the day Stephanie said she was going to Cosmetology School; I believe I told her she should go to college. Ironic, I still haven’t graduated… she’s been done with school for years. After high school, we’d sometimes go to Crest and get a beverage from their drive-thru.
Our high school has a tradition of holding a student body sponsored dance once a month. This provided ample opportunity for dating many people and getting involved with different circles. During one girls-choice dance, Steve, Stephanie, and myself were all included in the same group. The advent of energy boosts had just begun and part of our activities took us to a smoothie store. I promptly ordered a triple energy boost for my drink and the corresponding heart palpitations which were sure to accompany that mistake. Dinner that evening was at Brick Oven and Steve and Stephanie had the misfortune of sitting by an overly-caffeinated teenager. As annoying teenage moments go, I’m sure the restaurant staff was more than excited to see me leave. But that is the night I made a new, old, friend. I don’t think Steve and Stephanie were on that date together that night, but it wasn’t long after they started dating. Years later, the nostalgia bug hit and we dug out the memory books. After a few pages after the infamous 1980s “I Love Trucks” onesie pictures, Mrs. Cook’s Kindergarten class picture came up. Steve stopped the page and said, ‘wait a minute, you were in Mrs. Cook’s Kindergarten class?’ Without knowing, I had found my best friend 12 years later.
My adult life is dotted with memories of Steve and Steph. The day I left for AIT in Virginia in 2001, my two best friends came to wish me farewell. Shooting basketballs with Steve at Bonneville thirteen years after we first met there. Running away on a bike with flat tires when Steve had to pick me up. Our dinner conversation at Ruby River in Provo, I believe one Halloween night. Mi Ranchito with Joe and the infamous ‘Chicken Bone.’ Mi Ranchito in general. Numerous holidays, especially New Year’s at the Russell’s. Steve’s apartment and his Carne Asada eating roommate Adam. Playing Word Racer and twisting the plot of A Walk to Remember at Steph’s apartment. Countless night’s each of us drinking 12 packs of Mountain Dew. Eating Beto’s and staying up way later than we should have the night before his wedding. The day my best friends got married. Getting my haircut monthly from Steph while she was in school. Calling Steve and Steph the day I saw Saw and waking them up at midnight. Eating dinner in Huntsville at Macaroni Grill. The crazy connection Steve’s path had with my wife. Holding Rex for the first time.
I met Rex in July of 2007. He was a long baby. I thought he looked like Steve a lot. I remember Izzy coming to visit Steph and Rex in the hospital. It seemed they were drawn to each other from day one. Rex brought a side of Steve out that I hadn’t been privy to, but an example of love and fatherhood I will try to exemplify. Steve doesn’t do anything less than 110%; in his role as a father, he has further elevated that standard. As Rex grew, Steve would tell me stories of how fun it was to raise him. Rex’s outfits seemed to be some of the enjoyment as well. Rex has worn many hats. Most notably, the dog hat, a White Sox hat, a pirate hat, a Woody hat, and recently, an Atlanta Braves hat. Each hold memories for me, and likely for the Stuart’s as well.
I have not experienced the joys of being a parent. Honestly, I’m terrified of being a parent, but the other night, I was allowed a glimpse of what the love a mother and father feel must be like. Steve and Steph had me over to visit Rex after an evening event. Steph took Rex into bed and laid him down for the night. Steve was attending to some chores so I took a few minutes to scan the website. A minute went by and I heard Steph calling my name. I hurried into the room and asked if I could get her anything. She said “Rex asked you to lay by him.” I was taken back for a second, and then slipped my shoes off and said I would love to lay next to him. I repositioned his stuffed animal and stared into his eyes and was reminded of when I was a child. I would ask my mom to tell me what to dream about. She often would respond by suggesting I dream of ‘floating down a river of chocolate on a boat made of marshmallows’ and other candy. I told Rex to dream of the candy world I used to visit in my dreams. I rubbed his cheek and forehead as he became drowsy. We chatted for a minute longer and I feared I was keeping him awake more than I was helping him fall asleep. I kissed him goodnight and told him I loved him and left with Steve to shop for groceries. It was a touching moment for me, one I’ll not soon forget.
Rex, Steve, Stephanie, Annalin – I love you
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Denise
