December 23

This date is one that I'll always remember. 13 years ago my friend Scott Dougall was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He originally wanted to be baptized on Christmas Day but then realized it might conflict with others schedules. So instead he picked December 23, which is Joseph Smith's birthday.

I remember playing the piano during his baptism. I remember watching Jesse Anderson, his best friend, baptize him. I remember Scott being so excited that day.

Scott and I met in high school. After graduation we both attended CSUF, as did Jesse. Jesse soon left on a mission to Taiwan and Scott and I hung out together a lot. He played pool at the institute across the street from school. We went to lunch together. We went to young single adult dances together, driving in his silver Camaro. He even took several classes together at school. Scott also said we should get married. He was such a fun guy, although we never dated.

He eventually transferred to a different school and I met Skyler. We still saw each other, since we had mutual friends, but it wasn't nearly as much.

About a year after Skyler and I got married, I got a phone call telling me of Scott's death. He was hit by a truck on his motorcycle. I was stunned. We were too young for this kind of thing to happen.

Scott's funeral was the first I remember attending...ever. He wasn't an ailing older relative. He was a friend that I shared lots of memories with. I will never forgot him and his always-happy attitude. He was a wonderful person that I will see again someday.