There’s a saying that goes, “Only a few people really look out for us when we’re not around.” That idea speaks volumes about true friendship—the kind that sticks with you, even when the person isn’t there anymore. Today, we’re here to honor that kind of friendship and remember Clint, someone who made a real impact on everyone who knew him.

I first met Clint in June of last year. Even though we came from different backgrounds and parts of the country, we quickly found common ground. It didn’t take long before I considered him a friend. Clint had this way of making you feel like you’d known him forever. He had a knack for understanding people and making you feel heard.

The thing about friendship is that it creates a space in your life—a space that wasn’t there before. Clint filled that space with his laughter, his stories, and the moments we shared. And when someone like Clint is taken from us too soon, it feels like that space is ripped away, leaving a hole in our hearts.

But here’s the thing: that space doesn’t just disappear. We carry it with us. Clint is still here with us because we remember him. And, in today’s world, we’re lucky to have pictures, videos, and voice messages to help us keep those memories alive. We can still see his smile, hear his voice, and relive those moments.

Clint isn’t gone because we’ll never forget him. Every single one of us holds on to something about him—his laugh, his kindness, his goofy sense of humor. And through us, he keeps living on. Our kids, nieces, nephews, and friends will know Clint because we’ll share those stories. That’s how his legacy continues.

It’s hard, though. There’s no way around that. Knowing that we won’t see Clint walk into a room again or hear him crack a joke makes the loss feel even heavier. But we can still find comfort in the memories we hold onto. Some people lean on their faith during times like these, while others turn to family and friends. For me, it’s a little bit of both. I find peace in knowing that even though Clint’s not here, we still have so much of him with us.

One thing that helps me is a passage from Psalms 139. It says, “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me.” To me, that’s a reminder that no matter how far away someone feels, we’re still connected, and we’re still loved. It’s something I hold onto, especially on days like today.

So, as we remember Clint, let’s keep his memory alive in the best way we can—by sharing the moments that made him special. Let’s talk about who he was and how he impacted each of us. That’s how we honor him. Clint might not be with us in person, but he’ll always be with us in spirit. And we’ll make sure his memory lives on.