I Remember....

January 27, 2001.

I had just spent the day in Tulsa showing off my new puppy. Betsy and I watched the OSU vs Colorado game and as soon as it was over we jumped in the Eagle Talon and headed back to Stillwater.

I will never forget.

We were crossing the Keystone Dam when Betsy's mom called.  It must have just happened because none of the details were clear. All we knew was that something had happened and a plane had gone down.

We were in disbelief.

Thinking it must be a mistake.

I immediately starting calling my friend (and neighbor) Daniel and Antoine to see what was going on.  I remember leaving a message on Daniel's voicemail wanting to make sure he was ok.

We were still about 45 minutes from Stillwater...  Every few minutes we were getting updates from the radio or phone. Longest. Trip. Ever.  It was confirmed a plane had crashed and all ten passengers were killed. I was still calling Daniel and Antoine and no one ever answered.

My heart hurt.

I knew the outcome was not going to be good.

I remember pulling into the Terrace, running upstairs to the apartment and the TV being on.  My friends were there glued to the news coverage.

After this it becomes a blur...

I remember at some point talking to Antoine on the phone, so I knew he was ok. I remember the moment I realized Daniel was on that plane and didn't make it. I remember trying to keep it together in front of my company. I remember walking up the stairs to my room. About halfway up I just sat and cried. How was this even possible?

Daniel was seriously the nicest guy ever.
He was funny.
He had a big heart.
He was the kind of guy you don't meet to often.
...and the kind of guy you never forget.
{He's the guy on the right}

{Antoine and Daniel}

How is it possible that it has been TEN years?!
It seems like just yesterday.

I remember my friend and I making a picture frame for Daniel and taking it to the OSU Spirit Rider a bronze statue in front of Gallagher-Iba Arena.  I remember the beautiful memorial service with thousands and thousands of people.  I remember signing the huge memoriative (is that a word) cardboard wall . I remember the orange and black ribbons all over campus.  I remember our first game after the crash against Missouri. The moment of silence. The WIN.

Still 10 years later, I remember it like it was yesterday.

Always and Forever...

 Remember the Ten Run 2010