One year ago, alone in a hospital bed, I got the worst news of my life. My best friend @incogneeco had passed away suddenly. I was crushed. I didn’t know what to say. I taught me a huge lesson though: DO NOT PUT WHAT YOU WANT TO DO OR SAY OFF FOR ANOTHER DAY. My last conversation with Nico was about the broadway hit, Dear Evan Hansen. We talked about the pure-ness of Ben Platt and the struggle with mental health and reaching out when you feel like no one is there. Nico was the person that would ALWAYS be there. 11 years ago, we were sitting in our first ever POL class together and I they convinced us to go canvass neighborhoods in Des Moines, Iowa for the young Junior Senator from Illinois. We were so excited! I remember you walking door to door convincing republicans to vote for Obama, because you just made people feel good and like they could trust you instantly. I’m so sad our world lost a huge voice of love and reason and compassion 1 year ago. I know my word will never quite be the same, but your spirit encourages me to keep up the good fight. To keep pushing for equal access and opportunity to education for all. To keep being an out and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. To keep smiling through the ups and downs. Every time the sun shines extra, I know that is you smiling that big smile down on us. I’m sad that you had to go so soon, but I take solace in the fact that you lived a full life and left an impact I can only hope to leave and you’re no longer in pain. I love you; I love you; I love you! In Leadership, Friendship, and Service, BOILER UP! 💛🖤💛💙🚂 (at Purdue University) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpFiU3Mn3d7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ursoape2x2ma
