I remember the first time I saw him. It was on bus number two on my first day of sixth grade. He was a short, round, blonde haired, blue-eyed boy with an incredibly big mouth. At first, he did not seem like the type of person who would change my life, but I was quickly mistaken.
Bryan Timothy Rossik was the name of this exceptionally caring, trustworthy, upbeat, intelligent, and admirable human being. Bryan was not only my best friend, but also a big brother with excellent guidance. His outlook on life not only changed my perspective, but continues to influence my future in more ways then one.
As I look back on the time that I spent with Bryan, I cannot think of one instance where I felt uncomfortable or neglected. He taught me how to be myself and not worry about what other people see. This perspective on life has made me a more confident person. His caring and loving personality was one that is hard to find. Bryan was always one to put others before himself setting a great example on how to be selfless when it comes to friends and family. When I had boy trouble, like most high school girls do, he did not hesitate to lend me a shoulder and a listening ear. His ability to put the wellbeing of others before his own never ceases to amaze me.
Up to this point in my life, I can honestly say Bryan was the only guy who knew everything about me and made no prior judgment. I was able to tell him anything I needed to get off my chest. I knew that he would not tell another breathing soul and that he would never criticize me behind my back. Bryan had the capacity to choose anyone in this world to have as his “little sister.” I am honored to be her. He always told me how he had fallen for every one of his best female friends but that, somehow, I was different. He said we were too much alike, almost like twins, but if you ask me, I do not even compare.
From the first time I saw Bryan, he was always wearing some sort of goofy smile. He had always seen life as one big party and he was not going to waste one minute of it. His upbeat personality could easily change a frown to a smile with just one outlandish outburst or by attempting to sing his new favorite country song. I can still remember the car ride home from the movies; he had half his body out the window with his hair sticking straight up from the wind. Bryan’s greatest contribution to this world is the happiness he brought to not only my life, but to every person he met along the way.
I was not only proud of Bryan for his amazing ability to be an incredible friend but his astonishing ability to be academically focused as well. As much as Bryan loved to enjoy life he also realized that his future was important as well. His success in school always amazed me. This success is what pointed me towards being a better student myself. The one area of school that impressed me the most was his Spanish. Bryan would always try to talk to me in Spanish. Even though I have been studying it since first grade, I could never quite understand him. He always set his goals high and, from what I saw, he not only met his goals, but exceeded them with flying colors.
If I could pick out the one person I admire most, Bryan Rossik would be the easiest and most obvious choice. His character is one that anyone would only be lucky to have. When I think of Bryan now I can’t believe that I once thought he was only a boy who lived down the street because now I see he was one of the most influential people in my life. His words and love will stay with me the rest of my life.
When Bryan Timothy Rossik passed away on April 20, 2007, I was devastated. To most people, I had lost a close friend. Only I knew that I had lost much more than that. I had lost my inspiration, my right hand, my best friend, and my brother. If there is one thing that Bryan has taught me that seems to stand out more than the rest is that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. I will now continue my life knowing that the pain of his death will always be with me, but I will no longer suffer. Bryan will be forever my brother.
Mr. and Mrs. Rossik,
We were asked to write a college essay for my English class. The topic was to write about someone who inspired us or affected our lives in some way. My first thought was to write mine about Bryan. No one has or will affect my life in the way he has. I have never met such an incredible person who had more spirit and love in his heart. There is not one day that I have not thought about him and his friendship and what it meant to me. Bryan was not only one of my best friends but like a big brother and he will always hold a special place in my heart. He not only taught me how to be a better person but how to love myself for the person I am. I would give anything to turn back time and be half the friend he was to me. I just wanted to give you a copy of my essay to show you how much he really meant to me and tell you things you already know. I love Bryan and miss him more each day but I know he is with me and will be with me for the rest of my life.
