#quadstrong

You've probably seen Travis Spurley's name on some form of social media over the last week. Something terrible is going on. Something amazing is going on. These things are closely related. People from all over the world have been asking me the same question: "Who is Travis Spurley and why is he taking over my internet?". I feel much obliged to pay tribute to my friend Travis. From now on, let's call him Quad.

 It's not surprising that Quad is so popular. He knows how to have a great time and is definitely not boring. Quad is always ready for an adventure. However, Quad's worldwide popularity doesn't stem from his unwavering commitment to fun. Everyone loves him because Quad is the best friend you could ever ask for; a great American and outstanding person. In the time I've spent with Quad over the last 7+ years in at least 14 states and 3 countries, I have not heard anyone utter a single negative word about the guy. How is it possible for someone to have 1000 best friends? Quad does; he's everyone's second self. He is the most loving, positive, generous and humble man on the planet. Being a modest man, there is nothing too fancy at first glance. Once you get to know him, you'll quickly realize he outshines the sun and emanates a sweetness that could knock you to the floor.  In a made to measure world, he breaks the mold. Quad would do anything for his family and friends. His conviction is slow, but steady. I can tell Quad anything and he will listen without judging me, making me feel stupid or ever saying "I told you so"; the lecture never comes. He is just there to be my friend. That's what he does. Quad is a man who has made his intentions clear. He cares about people. He really is as he seems and never promises more than he'll provide. If giving hugs was an Olympic sport Quad would bring home the gold. It's not uncommon for him to call you to tell you he bought you a concert ticket and has a hotel for you to stay in because all your friends will be there and he misses you. Never believe the lie that people will always want something in return. If you think he expects anything from anyone you're off your rocker. Quad would give you his walletsworth if you needed it. His compassion spreads triple wide and he never makes you feel like a slacker. He's the kind of guy that will share a tiny, Japanese bed with Alki in San Francisco so that Jenni and I don't have to share with a boy. The visual contrast of the occupants of those 2 beds next to each other was comedic perfection. Quad is the man with a thousand friends and he cares about them all the same, and they love him back. He is a salmon in a river full of trouts. Sounds like he's got it all, right? 

Quad is sick. It makes me sick. It feels like someone took a plunger to my brain and i can't possibly breathe this thin air. When I heard the news it was like an anchor dropped through my heart; it's a terrible conversation, even worse of a thing to plan. Dear Lord, I didn't know things were supposed to be this way. Everything seemed out of order and i was flooded with memories of home. That's the feeling Quad give you: home. My mind was instantly transported to bright lights, big cities and countless miles of highway.  I remembered sitting on a front porch nursing a hangover together and his arm around me to protect me from an uninvited prowler.  I had visions of when the fuzz pulled up outside Logan Square Auditorium and I turned around in time to see Quad sitting on the hood of a cop car, just chillin in all his glory.

As I gave myself time to mullet over, I began to see the time other side of things and was able to overcome my grief. Some of the sadness was passing and I know now that, all in time, Quad will be better than ever. It will be harder than crossing a bridgeless river. It will be more challenging than shaking off the haunt of a wizard burial ground. As words and support began to shower in, i realized this isn't just angular momentum, it's linear. You can't have missed the boat on what I've said, but if you think I'm exaggerating the effect Quad has on people, you're wrong. The support that is pouring in from every corner of the planet is astronomical. Quad is a conduit of love. No one else I've ever met could ever inspire this global movement of pure, heartfelt support.  I'm currently watching a group of partyin' peeps, who were once just syncopated strangers, unite as one nation under Quad. It's amazing to see so much passion in a time of sadness. There's now a stronger sense of gravity, you can smell it in the air. We are so fortunate to have found each other and there doesn't seem like there's much left to search for. We will be with Quad through every step of the way. Everyone is his bottom half now. We refuse to pay the snucka, no way; it's getting t-boned. Quad needs us and we're gonna be the ones to ride it through. I see the road leading towards the solution we need.

Countless people have questioned why I continue to travel to see music, usually the same band over the last 10 years. It has always been hard to adequately verbalize the personal and emotion gains I've made through the rock solid friendships that have arisen from these shared experiences. So many times I've been asked to make it matter, but just couldn't find the words. It's not like there's a book about this or something you could read. I've realized so many things over the last week as I've watched love stream in from far and wide. I know that we can go where we want to and walk where we will, we will always be here for each other. We're here for each other if we have to drive all night through rain and when the action's slow. I've realized that if everyone was half the person Quad is the world would be a lot better place. Throughout all of many, many trials Quad has dealt with in his life, he has stood strong and faced his challenges head on. I have never heard him complain once. Quad deserves the absolute best and that's what we're going to give him. It's time to put your ego aside and get used to the thought you can't be what you're not, life has already got plans for you. In a few hours I will celebrate with friends I've had from the start and the band that brought us all together. We will celebrate lives filled with love in Quad's honor and reflect on this ongoing odyssey we're all still a part of. We will not be sad, today is about being thankful for what we all have. What we all have is each other. Today, and always, we stand as one nation under Quad.