RIP Haddis Girma

This post is dedicated to an amazing guy whose life was cut way too short. 

Last week, Ben's best friend Haddis passed away.  Haddis was one of the most chill, fun-loving, dedicated, and inspirational person I had the opportunity to meet during my time at Boston University.

I remember when the girls in my sorority used to joke with Ben that his guy friends, such as Haddis, didn't exist.  That they were his "imaginary" friends.  And then I got a chance to meet Haddis.  I can't quite remember what we were doing the night we met, but I remember being wicked nervous.  This was my new boyfriend's best friend after all.  But Haddis welcomed me with open arms and gave me a big hug.

And then in the Summer of 2009, Haddis moved to D.C. to start dental school at Howard.  Ben and I were so excited to have him live near us. 

When Ben and I moved last winter, Haddis offered to help without hesitation.  He even did one better, he brought along one of his friends from dental school to lend an extra hand.  He helped carry all the big boxes and spent all day with us, even though he had an exam coming up.  That was just the kind of person he was - willing to help a friend no matter what. 

We'd see Haddis fairly often.  Ben would have him over, I would cook a big meal for us all and then head to bed while they had boy talk over cigars and bourbon on the porch.  Recently, Ben started to teach Haddis how to play golf.  They two of them would head out to the driving range and hit balls for hours together.

And its so surreal now.  I can't believe he's gone.  It makes you ask why - why such a sweet, caring, fun-loving, dedicated person.  This kid worked so hard to get where he was.  It wasn't easy, but he worked hard and perservered and truly earned everything he accomplished.

RIP Haddis Girma.  You are so, so missed. 

Somehow this is the only picture I can find right now that has all three of us...