A Final Farewell To A Dear Friend

On Thursday, April 4th, 2013, Heaven was graced with an angel. His name is Rolff Camey.

Growing up with him has been an incredible honor. He has lived directly across the street from me since as long as I could remember.

Although, I do regret the times I failed to be there for him. While at his funeral, a cousin of his came up to me. We used to play together when we were younger. He told me that he asked about me one day... and Rolff told him that he hadn't seen me in quite awhile. As I look back on the last time I saw him (while he was fully conscious), I wish I remembered the day. He'd probably texted me "Hey, can I get a ride?" at 7:30 A.M. I probably said "Yeah, 8?" And he would knock on my front door with his backpack and soccer bang hanging at his side. I was disappointed that those may have been my last words to him. But then I thought about when I had visited him in the hospital. The last time I saw him alive he was connected to machines and random colorful tubes and wires. It was Saturday, April 30th.

He was in a car accident with his aunt and cousin. They we're hit by a drunk driver who ran a red light on the driver's side. His cousin passed away, he suffered broken bones and severe brain damage, and his aunt did also. His aunt woke up a couple of day after the accident. We waited what seemed like forever to see Rolffy wake up. But he never did. His heart was still beating and his lungs were fine. What wasn't functioning was his kidney (they had to take the other one out) and his brain. Doctors told us if he did wake up, we would never be the same. He might not be able to walk, or talk... I couldn't imagine. Rolffy wanted to be a pro soccer player, and then an engineer for NASA. He would be trapped in a lifeless body... he would never fulfill his dreams. His parents made the decision to take him off life support. He had been on it for about a month. He lasted until 4pm on April 3rd to about 11am on April 4th. I was taking my STAAR test and when I received my phone back I had a text from my mother. "Caro Rolf lla no esta con nosotros"... it broke my heart. I should have been there... she was about to leave to the hospital when his mom called. My childhood was with him, and I couldn't be there at his last hours.

The funeral was hard. There were so many people there, i'm sure he would have been surprised at who had attended. The pastor had said multiple times that "This isn't a good bye, it's an hasta luego." When I walked up to the casket, it seemed like it wasn't even him. He was cold, and hard, and pale. When I first touched him, I flinched. He was wearing his Pearce soccer jersey. I kissed him goodbye, and I let him go. Crying didn't help any. There was no reason to, he was more alive than he's ever been. He was with God.

I'm sad that I didn't get to spend more time with him. But, hey, God's timing is perfect. His story touched hearts. His dedication changed lives. He's always here in our hearts, and I will love him forever. He's still my little brother, and I know I will see him again some day.

Rolffy,
I'm sorry I didn't hang out with you as we got older. You were my best friend, and I really loved you. I hope you knew that. I hope you knew when I was there in the ICU with you. I hope you knew how much I prayed for you. I prayed for your recovery... whether it be here on Earth or with God in heaven, I asked for His will to be done. I guess they needed a really good soccer player.
I love you Rolffy, and I'll see you sooner or later.


-Caroline