David was a built in best friend from the start because of destiny. Not only were we born into the same family, but we both lived on West Hill within walking distance of each other’s houses. And we were also born months apart meaning we were each other’s side kick from babies through high-school. I have many memories of David and I through the years (some stories shall never be told) but the best and fondest are the ones skiing together. We’d get all bundled up and go out for hours with Esther, doing laps on Bunny Buster. Mastering every little dip into the woods and popping out hitting a mini jump completely out of control. We thought we were invincible as soon as our helmets were buckled and goggles on tight. If you skied close enough you could hear the cackles of two young kids feeling like they were soaring into the clouds, free like a bird. When we would get frustrated or cold or tired, Esther would lure us to the lift with starbursts she carried in her Fanny pack. If we made it to the chair lift we’d each get one on the lift heading back up. And we did this on repeat until our feet were numb. Once we graduated from supervised skiing we’d start to go out on our own, with rules of where we were allowed to ski. Basically staying over on Snowden. Until one day David said to me “let’s do Super Star by ourselves”. I gulped and immediately felt nervous. I said let me go home and ask my mom tonight, which she obviously did not enjoy the idea. I was told “absolutely not” which was kind of a relief. When David and I met up to ski the next time he looked at me and said “today is the day we do it”. I unwillingly obliged knowing if my mom found out she wouldn’t be happy, but I figured maybe she wouldn’t find out if I made it to the bottom unscathed. So we set out on our journey up the mountain to one of the steepest and most intimidating runs on Killington. I wish I knew how old we were but in my memory I feel like we were around 6 (maybe Esther can confirm?). We got to the top of the lift and I remember just shaking in fear coming over the peak to see all of killington at my feet. David looked back at me and smiled his little mischievous smile and said “ready?” And off he went. No fear just pure joy. I followed behind, trusting him and knowing if I followed his turns I’d be ok. And of course, we made it down just fine. Screaming, laughing and giggling the whole way day. And that was who David was to me. He was determined, goofy, confident and encouraging. I’d follow him anywhere because I knew we had each other and as long as we had that we’d always make it down any mountain together. He was my cousin, my family, my best friend. My world is a little less bright right now but I hope he’s smiling down from the highest peak waiting to give me a giant push when I need it. I love you David forever and always. Your spirit will live on as long as I’m here. I will carry you with me every step of the way until we meet again on the mountain. I miss you more than you’ll ever know.