Dear Jason

by Quentin

Dear Jason,

I went to your funeral yesterday and I still could not believe you were gone. It felt like you had taken a trip to some place fabulous like Paris or Bangkok on a one-way ticket.

I want to thank you for being a wonderful friend for almost 8 years… that’s exactly a fifth of my life right now.  I could vividly remember the first time Robby introduced us at the Abbey. The next day I met you again at the gym and we started working out every day together and became the best of friends.

We never let our being broke get in our way of having fun. I remember we drove down to Laguna Beach one day when the Morning Party was in full swing. We didn’t want to pay to get in so we just bought some rum and coke from a liquor store and partied right outside on the beach. We had a fabulous day nonetheless.

We had a great time together no matter how little money we had and how “ghet-TOE” we got. We laughed so hard when you coined that word. It’s not ghetto but “ghet-TOE” when you can’t even afford being ghetto.

We had a great time no matter what we did. Remember when I got that gig to cast the Hong Kong martial arts movie? We spent three days straight auditioning and scouting Asian boys at Stellar Adler and we had a blast. And remember when you hired me to work in the clothing store in Orange County? When no customers were around, you’d teach me how to spot and do turns across the floor. I could always count on you whenever I needed an actor to read at casting sessions or an extra to fill for a scene during production.

You were one of the few friends who had given me unconditional love and support no matter how crazy I was.

In the middle of a raging party, I got sad when I saw this guy I used to like. You whispered in my ear, “You’re so handsome, let’s go party,” and kissed me on the cheek. You supported me no matter how difficult my relationships were. I’ll always remember that one heartbroken and sleepless night I drove to your place and slept right beside you comforting me.

Remember that one early morning on a New Year’s Eve? I was so scared of going home alone from the club and you were beside me. Together we made it home safe. I wouldn’t have made it without you.

As a friend, you have taught me to always follow my feelings. And that’s exactly the lesson I’ve been trying to learn all my life. I am forever grateful that you have taught me to love and support someone unconditionally with joy and laughter. As I am falling short of you, I will aspire to be who you were.

Always,

Quentin