Chelsea and I grew up just a couple of streets over from each other, but when I really started to get to know her and consider her one of my great friends, was my junior year in high school. Now it's no surprise to anyone that I was a slow bloomer when it came to the ladies, and my shyness, awkwardness, and struggle to take off baby fat didn't help my cause personally, but made me the perfect wing man for some of my friends. Rex Patrick and I played soccer together and more times than not the two of us would end up over at the Hales in the springtime after our games or practices. All three of us would sit and talk in the kitchen, go get something to eat, watch movies, or whatever else we could come up with. The one thing that we did the most of was laugh, and there wasn't a joke or lighthearted moment that we didn't take advantage of. I knew I was the third wheel, but I loved it, and the memories that were created over those two and a half years are what I cherish so dearly to this day.
When I think of Chelsea, one of the first words that comes to mind is "acceptance". To this day, I've still never seen anyone who was so concerned about those around her feeling accepted, and that can be difficult, especially in an adolescent setting. I definitely was no stranger to this, and the people you tend to think about and care for most in life are those that have accepted you for who you are and care for your well-being continuously. Chelsea epitomized this quality, and how she was able to show continuous empathy to those around her is something that I try to emulate in my life to this day.
Chelsea I love you and your legacy is thriving.
Andrew Jones (Jonesy)
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