"Crystals!" She yelled as I ran as fast as I could trying to escape the passioniate venture capitalist who wanted to see our band name in a "BeBe"- eske black tee shirt design. Who comes up with an idea like that for a rock band?...Tracy Copple.

I find myself with a very heavy heart as I write this. My very good friend and someone who believes in me when I was too scared to believe in myself has past. I am lucky enough to say that I have rarely felt these feelings and take it for granted. People pass everyday but when it is someone who you love and respect it's unimaginable. It's so cliche to say that you still think you can "pick up the phone or send a text to them and now you can't" but that is how it feels. She can't really be gone right? She is the "Unsinkable Tracy Copple", she's a nut, unbreakable, nothing can take her down. Right?

Tracy I want to thank you for always believing in me...and at the same time calling me out when I was being a total bullshitter. Thank you for doing everything in your power to keep me safe when you didn't have to...at all. You must have had an Oh Shit moment every time you saw my name come up on your caller id...why did you ever pick up? Thank you for taking care of my friends, whether they told you or not, they were grateful. Thank you for always trusting in me to follow through on what it was we were trying to accomplish. Thank you for all you taught me and the life lessons you never knew I was experiencing because of our time together. Thank you for showing me the world is a big place and giving me the confidence to think (and still think) that I can conquer it. Above all and most importantly thank you for being my friend.

I am writing this as I sit in a tree overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 3,000 miles where we met and I know I wouldn't be sitting here if it wasn't for you. Thank you for always believing in me and I know I don't have to ask, I know you are watching over me and...one day when I least expect it somethig else will change the course of my life and I'll see your face.

Love you girl.

Your friend,

Matt