.027 Austin Caldwell

I sat next to Austin in the library one evening during our sophomore year of college. We were, if I remember correctly, sitting in these random two comfy chairs in the hallway of sorts, and instead of studying or getting work done, Austin and I talked and talked the entire night, pretty much until sunrise. We spoke about our worst days, our struggles, our goals and dreams, boys, more boys, and basically solidified our lifelong friendship right there and then.

Austin is an unbelievably loyal, kind, and spectacular human being. He pushes through any tough obstacle with grace, kindness, and the willingness to learn while moving through life. He’s got a giggle that’s so contagious, and a genuine smile that leaves you happy for hours after seeing him. That evening in Gelman Library showed me just a sliver of how Austin is such a good listener and very articulate when it comes to what he sets his mind to, and what he’s trying to accomplish. He and I have spent too many nights distracting each other from homework and papers to the point where when I think of him, I immediately think of passionate, deep conversations, laughing until crying, and generally positive, joyful moments of bliss. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Austin, thank you for being the driven, compassionate and gentle person that you are. Thank you for being such a stronghold in my life, especially during our first year friendship which just so happens to have been an insane year for the both of us. Thank you for trusting and believing in me, and thank you for supporting everything I do with such intention. Thank you for making me cackle from the funniest of stories, and thank you for all of the times you’ve opened up to me and dug deep, together. Thank you for always being just a text, phone call, or island visit away. Thank you for embodying what it means to be a true friend, and thank you for looking out for me, always. I’m so grateful for what we have, for your visit to NY, and to all of our time in DC. I’m grateful to know, and better because of it. Thank you for inspiring me in more ways than you know, and thank you for making all of your friends lives better just by being yourself. Thank you for our special connection that I will always be grateful for. Thank you, for being you.

-BD