Tuesday, August 6, 2019
My condolences to the Madrid family, they were always so inviting and welcoming to me when I lived there. I played football and basketball with Ryan when I attended high school in Lovington from 8th-11th grade. When we weren't playing at the school we were at the youth center looking for pick up games. I remember Sunday nights we would have movie night at his house (Rocky IV was a go-to), then we would always be quoting our favorite movies in class or football conditioning as inside jokes only we would understand. We used to take his brother Raphie's Accord all through town when we were old enough to drive. We would jam out to ridiculous music just to try to get a laugh from other people. After I moved from Lovington to El Paso he was one of the few people who kept up with me, even driving down occasionally to come visit. He was one of the very few people I can honestly say at one point in my life was my best friend. He always came across as 'cool' to me, and I never understood why he hung out with me, but he was a very loyal friend and took up for me. We both made each other laugh to the point of tears. We just understood each other's humor on a deep level. I don't think I would have made it through high school without him. He helped me navigate a very tumultuous time in my young life. I was a new kid in town who had just lost his parents, and he went out of his way to make sure I always had someone close by. I learned so much from him, things I still think about today. So many movies, songs, and other things remind me of him. He will always be a part of who I am. I am very, very thankful that he was a part of my life, and the Madrid family as well. I wish you all the very best, and I love you all.
