One day at lunch, Gabe asked if I ever had bacon soup. He told me about this cook book and how he made the soup from it with his grandma and it was "The best soup he's ever had." I said I'd have to try it sometime. The next day, he brought me a hand-written recipe, down to the teaspoon. I made it. It was, indeed, the best soup I have ever had. I took a picture to show him. He was so happy I made the soup.

Gabe and I always bonded over our adoration for The Cheesecake Factory. We have the same favorite- the Oreo Dream Extreme. He went for his birthday and would report back if they wrote on the plate in chocolate syrup. I go for my birthday every year and do the same. The picture below is from last year when I turned 22. It was so special knowing we had the same kind of celebration and liked the same things.

I have so many wonderful memories of our adventures together. Way too many to list them all, but two that quickly come to mind: The time we both marched in the Butler Memorial Day parade. You with the Cub Scouts, and me with the Legion Auxiliary. The other was when you started to tucker out at Heaven Hill. You put your head on uncle Matt’s shoulder as he carried you, and it became a “L’Oréal” moment. ❤️