Final Salute

On Wednesday, a friend of mine had been in an accident at school that caused him to have an aneurysm and go into a coma. He passed away on Wednesday at the ripe young age of 13. He would have been 14 in April. A talented visual artist and friend, my school mourned for our loss and pulled together a memorial for him. We all dressed in white in his honor and came to school with flowers.

When I showed up, no one knew where to put the gifts and flowers. So I went over to the stone steps of my school and set my pot of flowers down on the top step with the picture I drew for him. Others followed suit and soon the whole staircase was filled with photos, cards, drawings and flowers.

At lunch, hundreds flocked to the memorial all wearing white. I decided to go onto the platform looking out and everyone was just...staring at the stairs. Some were crying, others looked...sad. Like they were in pain. The kid was a huge Hunger Games fan. Was an active member of the HG club at school and a friend came up and suggested we do the three finger solute that's a sign of admiration and also used as a "goodbye" to a loved one. Going up in front of everyone, I said my request and showed how the solute was done. Hundreds to maybe a thousand hands rose up following my lead. People closed their eyes and looked up at the sky as though praying. I captured this moment that I know will haunt me forever.

Ajay, you were such a good friend and the sweetest little brotherly figure anyone could have. A star was gained in the sky and an angel was reunited with heaven. Your skills were beyond your years and I can't believe you're gone. I hope you saw what we did for you, because for someone so young, you captured the heart of thousands. And we can't thank you enough.

Ajay Anderson, rest in peace.
4/1/99-2/6/13