The Charleston Nine.

I am not a good writer. Especially when it comes to my feelings. Especially when I get tears in my eyes before I even type anything. So I apologize if this is random and jumbled.

I met Louis in middle school. He was dating (and eventually married) my friend Jenna's mom. Jenna and I played soccer and cheered together so we were together quite often. I remember loving going over to their house. Louis was so much fun and always made me laugh. He wasn't exactly bad looking, either. :) He and Jenna's mom later went separate ways but everytime I saw Louis, he was still the same ol' guy.

After college, I was working a full-time job as a sales coordinator for an inn and part-time at Outback Steakhouse (where I had worked all through college). One night, I was working on the patio and was told by the hostess that I was about to have a large party of firefighters. I though, "ooh, this should be fun!!" and I may have put on a little bit of lipgloss before I greeted the table. What? Gotta make those tips! I walked up to the table and was so excited to see Louis sitting there! I caught up on his life, told him what was going on in mine, and I met his new wife, Lauren. I remember thinking that she was absolutely beautiful and I could tell how happy he was with her. That was the last time I saw Louis.

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I didn't even know about the fire until the morning after it happened. My mom sent me a text while I was at work letting me know. Then I got the next text. She had heard that Louis was one of the nine firefighters that got trapped inside the burning building that collapsed. My heart sank. I ran to the employee breakroom to watch the news. It was confirmed. My heart broke. It didn't seem real.

I went to the wake. The line was SO LONG and understandably so! Louis made an impact on everyone he came in contact with, young or old. I saw and spoke to Lauren and she remembered me as "The Outback Girl," which I was surprised she remembered me at all!There was also a memorial service at our high school football field that I went to with my parents. I remember seeing my Dad cry for maybe the third time in my life (which of course only makes me cry harder). It was a very tough day but I remember smiling just thinking about goofy Louis.

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I drive by the site of the fire very often. Before I moved in with Cameron, I lived in the neighborhood behind the site for three years. Everytime I drive by it, I make sure to say hello to Louis and tell him that we miss him. Sometimes outloud, sometimes in my head if there is anyone else in the car with me.

This Saturday will mark the fourth anniversary of the fire. Caroline and I plan on stopping by the site in the morning to remember Louis. We'll probably shed some tears, but there will definitely be some funny stories about him.

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For more information on the Sofa Super Store fire, click here.

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Other than firefighting, coaching basketball and football were Louis' other passions. He treated the players as if they were his own children.

Please watch these videos. I promise you'll be glad you did (you may just want to grab some tissue first).

Part 1.   Part 2.

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We love you and miss you, Louis!