Never, never, NEVER give up

It's amazing how when something like someone passing away can change how you look at life completely. You tend to draw closer to those around you, because you have that fear of them leaving you as well. One single person, and their life can change a whole group of people completely. Yesterday, my family, myself and 350 other people celebrated a young man's life who did just that; he changed us all.

R.I.P. Elijah "Eli" John-Robert Barr ♥ 1989-2011
Never have a met a man with such love and passion for others no matter what like Eli had. He cared deeply for other and was concerned about their lives and well beings, more then his own life. His life was a living miracle. Born with a genetic disease called Hurlers, he was only told to live a few years after born. Eli was a miracle, and lived another 17 years instead, becoming the oldest survivor of this disease. he survived two bone marrow transplants, a stem cell transplant, back surgery and two heart surgeries throughout this time. He never, never, never gave up, and he told all of us to do the same. His love that he showed everyone else is inspiring. Everyone was his friend, and if you weren't you soon would be. He was an angel's soul living here on earth, teaching us important life lessons that we will now live out in our own lives.

Eli was one of those people who loved to talk to you and get to know you. Everyone has talked to him at least once. He wasn't afraid to voice his opinion to people. Ask Sammy Sosa, who Eli once gave batting tips to when he was honorary guest at a Cub's game. We know that once we get to heaven, he'll be there at those pearly gates to great us with conversations ready. His love for animals was as great as his love for people, and he claimed that one day he would own his own zoo. I know that up in heaven right now he's finally got that zoo he's always wanted. He hugged everyone, even if he knew you or not. Personal space was not an issue with him. The love and care he showed to everyone is that perfect example of how we all need to love one another. 
Eli, you have taught us how to love and you showed us how to be a light for other people. We thank you for that. You, my friend, will be greatly missed but this isn't goodbye. So until we meet again, Shalom. 

 Dedicated by the High School Beach Trip 2011 in Seaside, Oregon.


T-Minus 11 Days