When people pass away, no words seem worthy enough. To say: "I miss you," seems wrong because that means you have to accept the reality that the person you love is gone. I don't know what to say but I want to try.

Dear Wesley,

I never understood sending thoughts and prayers until yesterday when the warmest words were sent to your friends and family about your passing. Everyone wants to make sure your loved ones are well and sharing memories of you to celebrate your beautiful spirit. You left behind a legacy and some of it comes in lace, needle work, and fine stitches. I'm sure everyone is remembering their first and last moments with you.

I'd like to share mine in this letter.

When I first met you my freshman year, I only knew how to sew buttons. My first day in the costume shop with you, Lindsay, and Kelly is one of my best memories at Creighton. You and Kelly whispered about me, while sitting right next to me, and little things like that will be what I miss most. Everyone knows that there is only room for one sass queen and you were the best and wittiest. But you weren't just sassy. You were also sweet, thoughtful, generous, let's just say a dictionary and thesaurus may not have enough words to describe you because there's no one else like you.

After my first day, you and Lindsay slowly taught me everything I know about the art of costume making. All of the memories in between brought so many people together. You and Lindsay are the master stitchers, the thread holding everyone together. We weren't just coworkers, we became friends. Everyone in the the Lied cared for each other like family and the shop became our little home.

The last time I saw you, it just seemed like another day at home. Towards the end of the school year everything seems like a blur and a rush to say goodbye. I remember coming to the shop to see you and Lindsay one last time before leaving, not knowing it would be the last time. I wish I could go back to that day to hug you both just a little bit longer because you both have changed my life. I wish we all could have more memories.

I still find words to be insufficient but I love and miss you and I hope you knew how much I appreciated our moments together.

Sincerely,

Julie

I would like to end this post by thanking Lindsay Pape for being the most loving and strong boss and role model I could ask for.