Alexis was my first friend during my Freshman year of undergrad at CU Boulder. We met at a party in one of the Frat houses, and she lived in the dorms next to mine. Our vibes immediately connected, and we were good buddies instantly. We partied a lot, but we got good grades. We worked hard, and we partied harder. Her and Samantha always let me sleep on the floor of their Libby dorm room when I didn't want to walk across the street to my own. We popped popcorn to mask the smell dorm room shenanigans, and we told our deepest passions and secrets. Alexis was full of light, laughter, and sunshine. She had the cleanest sheets of any college freshman I had ever seen. She had a love for butterflies, and I remember her butterfly wings hanging above her bed. She helped me feel like I was at home at a place I truly felt uncomfortable in. On September 9th, 2019 - Alexis was shot in the head by her boyfriend. My dad called me to bear the news, and I froze in time. The space around me dissipated, my ears rang, and tears fell from my eyes. How could Alexis be gone from this Earth? How could someone she loves hold a gun to her head, and pull the trigger? I feel guilt that I had not been closer to her in the years following my departure from CU Denver, and I felt remorse that I wasn't around to help her through any struggles she had been going through. I knew she was troubled when we were close, yet it didn't occur to me to guide her in a different direction. I know its not my fault, but I wish I could have done more or extended my heart a little bit deeper. I know Alexis is somewhere around her shedding the light inside of her. My heart will be forever broken for her, but will remain hopeful that her spirit is now free. Rest in paradise, sweet sweet angel. I love you. I miss you. I will always remember you.
