Annika
Quest, I miss you so so much already. Not only were you an amazing boyfriend but you were truly one of my best friends. I could tell you absolutely anything and I felt completely comfortable being my weird quirky self around you. You were always so honest, respectful and supportive. If something was wrong or if I was feeling down you found a way to reassure me or cheer me up every time, without fail. You were always doing little thoughtful things for me that you thought would make me smile and they certainly did. The conversations I had with you I couldn't have with anyone else. These words, not any others will ever come close to expressing how deeply I care about you. I love you and your family so so much.



Quest bought me a book called 99 Poems About Joy for Christmas. It’s one of my favorite books and I found my favorite poem in there. I have it memorized. It’s called Your Laughter by Pablo Neruda:



Take bread away from me, if you wish,
Take air away, but
Do not take from me your laughter.

Do not take away the rose,
The lanceflower that you pluck,
The water that suddenly
Bursts forth in your joy,
The sudden wave
Of silver born in you.

My struggle is harsh and I come back
With eyes tired
At times from having seen
The unchanging earth,
But when your laughter enters
It rises to the sky seeking me
And it opens for me all
The doors of life.

My love, in the darkest
Hour your laughter
Opens, and if suddenly
You see my blood staining
The stones of the street,
Laugh, because your laughter
Will be for my hands
Like a fresh sword.

Next to the sea in the autumn,
You laughter must raise
Its foamy cascade,
And in the spring, love,
I want your laughter like
The flower I was waiting for,
The blue flower, the rose
Of my echoing country.

Laugh at the night,
At the day, at the moon,
Laugh at the twisted
Streets of the island,
Laugh at this clumsy
Girl who loves you,
But when I open
My eyes and close them,
When my steps go,
When my steps return,
Deny me bread, air,
Light, spring,
But never your laughter
For I would die.

​

I love that poem because it reminds me of all the people, especially Quest, who make me happy, who make me laugh and who keep me afloat when I can’t. All the seemingly essential things – bread, air, light – I feel like I can do without, I can survive without if I can just have those people and their laughter and the blessing that they bring. Quest is one of those people. He always will be and I will always love him and never forget him.

Connor F.

Quest Jaeger, you were one of my oldest friends. We practically grew up under the same roofs together. Whether it be plotting our next crime upon one of our siblings, or just talking about girl troubles, you always knew what to say. I still remember the days very well, where we would stay up until all hours of the night just talking and shooting the shit....

You left us so suddenly bud. I can't stop but think back to all the unforgettable times we had together. Moments that I will cherish forever. Like when we would climb out on to the beams over your living room, and act like bad asses as we jumped down to the couches below (10 ft sure seemed like a lot back then). Or when I would come over to your house after school to start planning out ideas for the original Team 21 story. I could honestly go on for years explaining all of our crazy stories together. We always managed to get into trouble one way or another...
We started as friends, but whenever I saw you, I thought of you as a brother.



Currently I'm reading over a note that you left in my cubby in third grade. It has a picture of General Grievous on the back, and I have to say, your hand writing only got worse of the years brother.
Love you Quest Full Text

Zach M.
You were one of my best friends Quest Jaeger, but I guess you knew that. I'll never forget the times that we spent together, all the good times with you and the guys, when we all got together to shoot at each other with airsoft guns or play video games for hours. I could go on about you for hours, but if I did you'd just be all modest like always, shrug it off. I had all these things to say, but the one thing I couldn't say was goodbye.
Rest in Peace, Brother.

Eliana G.​

AMC 2012 Trip
Hello,
My name is Eliana Goldsher. I hiked with Quest this past summer on an AMC trip. Quest was a great friend and a beautiful spirit. I am deeply shocked to hear of his passing. Though we only spent a week together, I can say for certain that he had a passion for nature and hiking. We all had an incredible time on our trip and he really seemed to enjoy it. There is something very peaceful about the wilderness that we all enjoyed. I also know that he really loved his girlfriend and he talked about her a lot. He had a lot of respect for others, he was humorous, and he had drive. I remember we played a lot of games on the trip where we had to guess riddles. He especially was determined to solve the riddles, always asking questions and never giving up. Niamh( another girl on our trip) told me that you would like us to send memories. I can recall making pizza in the middle of a rain storm on a pan and using left over ingredients. It was a great pizza but even so he waited until the end to eat his piece so that others could eat it first. I know it is only a small thing, but I think it was those simple times that we were all the most happy because after walking all day in a rainstorm, that small piece of pizza warmed us up. Even though Quest died young, I think he was an incredibly mature person who seemed to know the people and things he loved. I know he loved his family, he loved his girlfriend, he loved nature, he loved hiking, and he loved his friends. I send my condolences.

Kai F-R.
Quest, my dear old friend! I remember when we used to be sparing partners at Quest Martial Arts. Cross Country runners and swimmers. You always did things with passion and I will never forget your presence and who you were. I always looked up to your humility and patience.
I will alway hold you in my heart! Rest in peace my friend!

Kelsey H.
It shocked and deeply saddened me to read the news about Quest on my newsfeed this morning because I can truly say that he was one of the most caring, thoughtful, kind and compassionate people I've ever had the chance to know and be in class with. There wasn't a single time where I didn't get a wave or smile from Quest in the hallway and I always noticed him spreading this to others as well. He was so kind to everyone and no one could have ever had a bad thing to say about him. The world needs more people like Quest, he made all of us want to be a better person and he will always be remembered and missed. Rest in peace.



Michele M.
I know that I'm not the most appropriate person to describe you and your kindness because i met you only a short time ago; anyway I want to share with anyone who you were to me. The first time I joined the cross country team I didn't know anyone, It was really awkward to start a conversation with people that i had never met before and that spoke another language, anyway you came close to me and with a huge smile on your face you asked me about my day. It may sound stupid but that question really meant a lot to me. You could really make my day. I hope that you are in a better place now. I will miss you Quest Jaeger.

Hannah D.
I knew Quest for about a consolidated week and a half, on two separate AMC hiking trips... I was so thrilled when I found out that he was going to be on the Winter trip after we had hiked together over the summer. He was a great guy, always funny, never complaining, and I'm proud to call him a friend. I remember him leading us in the wrong direction on the summer trip while we were the day's co-leaders - it prompted a five-minute argument, but he finally conceded his mistake with good grace, and off we went. He was cheerful, no matter what, even after we had to wade through a chilling knee-deep mountain brook. Quest was so supportive, too, even in the middle of a blizzard when we got lost and I was surly and tired and cold - he supported and encouraged me, and everyone else that needed it.
Fare well, Quest. I hope whatever realm that awaits us after death has mountains, so you can keep hiking forever. I hope it has maps, too, so you can learn to read them properly :'')

Josie B.
Quest, I have been debating this post for days now. There was more I wanted to say in my original comment, but I opted out because frankly I never got the chance to meet you. I thought it would be weird to write about the impact you've had on me. Yet after reading all the heartfelt posts from others, many of whom also admitted to not knowing you well, I've changed my mind. I never got to thank you for making my dearest cousin anni so happy. Like an older sister to her, I can't tell you all the times I smiled after she told me stories about all the cute things you would do for her. You seriously seemed like the perfect boyfriend: kind, loyal, honest, compassionate, and loving. I kept telling anni how much I wanted to meet you. It's amazing to see how many people you've affected with your kindness. Even people you never knew. People like me. At times like these I believe there must be a heaven or some place where you are safe and happy. I hope it's paradise. Anyway, I realized I would regret it if I didn't pay it forward and convey these words: thank you Quest for making my baby cousin so happy and ill do my best to look after her until hopefully, we all meet blissfully in paradise.

Matthew S.
It's hard to realize what you have until it's gone. Quest, I remember in elementary school we used to be good friends, although we grew apart our connection was never lost and I always saw you as the kind, caring person you grew to be. Rest In Peace you were one of my oldest friends and I will never forget you.

Julia K.
Reading all of the stories about Quest makes me wish that I had the time to know him better. I do remember going to the writing camp with him so many summers ago before I even knew I would go to Oyster River, and then that we had a class together freshman year. Even then, when all I really knew was his name, I was struck by his intelligence, personality, and that he was just so kind. This goes to show i think, that Quest was the sort of person who would touch your life no matter how breif your moments with him were. Do not underestimate the power of a few kind words. My thoughts are with him and his friends and family.

Melissa A.
Remembering Quest with lots of love and warm memories. I was close with the Jaeger family when all the kids were little. I taught My School where Quest and Zephyr attended. I also was a summer nanny for several years. I will always hold close to my heart memories of a young Quest curious about the world around him. He had a brilliant imagination and sense of humor. He had a smile that would light up the whole room. I truly believe you are at peace with God sweet boy and you can now be a guardian angel to your loved ones.

Erin R.
Honestly, I can never say I've cried due to someones death. It's a shock and it's sad, but I've never shed any tears.
Today when I found out Quest had past away, for some reason that I couldn't understand, I started crying. Like others, I didn't know Quest very well, but everyday we all felt his presence, always giving off those positive vibes that we all seem to need. Just the fact that he constantly treated people like equals. In his eyes and no matter who we were, he seemed to always find something he really liked, and more than not, told us his opinion.
To say the least, the world needs more Quest's. You were among the best of us?

Siobhán S.
Quest, I didn't know you well, but I knew you were an amazing person. I would always see you smiling in the halls, and you would never fail say "hi". Genuinely nice people can be so hard to find, and you were one of those rare gentlemen. You touched many lives with just a smile or a wave. And you will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Quest.

Sophie P.
I still can't believe what has happened. It's surreal........and it's heartbreaking. Even though I did not know Quest personally, I know that he was a phenomenal human being. To be honest, I wish I was able to get to know him better. Sadly, I was not fortunate enough to have him in many of my classes, so I would only see him in the halls from time to time. However, it's those short seconds which strike me the most. He would always smile at me which would instantly make me happier and feel more welcome in the school. I believe that from those moments I can somewhat come up with what kind of person he was. I wish I knew this kind, understanding and accepting gentleman, but I missed my chance. So, I want to remind everyone that being kind can greatly change someones life, and that's what Quest Jaeger's smile did to me.
Rest in peace Quest

Amanda S.
Our sophomore year Quest was elected as a senator for our class. He tried his hardest to make it to every meeting possible. Truth be to we didn’t have to do much our sophomore year, especially senators. It was the middle of year and Quest told us that he didn’t feel like he was making the meetings enough and that he was sorry he wasn’t committed enough and he told us he wanted to resign from senator. I was in shock I was so impressed, he was the sweetest guy that I had ever met. He will never be forgotten.

Claire M.
Everyone who ever met Quest knows what a kind person he was. He was such a gentleman and I regret not getting to know him better. We will all miss him so much. His family is in my prayers. Rest in peace Quest.

Jessie H.
You left us far too soon. You were truly the best person and have touched the lives of everyone that was honored to have met you in your short 17 years. You are loved by many, and endless tears will be shed. You will be deeply missed, rest easy Quest Jaeger

Alyssa D.
I don't really know what to say.. this doesn't make any sense to me. This doesn't feel like reality and it shouldn't be. You were the most kind-hearted person I know, I doubt there was ever someone you were mean to. Thank you for being my dance partner last year, I couldn't have won with anybody else. I hope you had as much fun as I did! I'm so glad it was you who was chosen to be in our seat belt challenge team. You were so dedicated and determined. Even if we didn't place we still got 5 out of like 34!! This is hard on me, I can't even imagine how hard it is for your family. They will be in my prayers. I'm so thankful I knew you, and I will miss you so much Quest, Rest In Peace.

Sean C.
Having a friend that is so caring and kind and funny is a rare luxury, and knowing someone like you was certainly a privelage. You were always there for me when i needed you, and i couldn't wish for a better friend. Rest in peace Quest, we love you and you will be missed dearly.

Kelly M.
Quest you were the kind of person who could brighten an entire room with your amazing smile. I know that even though you aren't with us anymore, those who knew you will never forget you. I know I never will.

Christopher R.
Quest, I can remember back in elementary school us running around everywhere during lunch, playing with Legos and riding on the swings. You were one of my greatest friends back then and I'm heartbroken to find out your gone. Rest in peace man.



​Catherine G.
Quest Jaeger. If there was ever a person with a truly gentle soul, that person was you. When I think of you, the first word that rushes to mind is "kind", quickly followed by polite. Words only say so much. It's not just the words that matter, it's the meaning we have for them that hold so much weight. Quest, you were kind in the truest sense of the term. You were a genuinely lovely person, someone who loved their family, who stood up for what you love and believe in. You are marvelous.

I am glad for the friendship we had. I know the years stretch our lives and pull us all apart at times, but that does not lessen the sensation of friendship while we have it. Some of my favorite memories of elementary school involve you, whether we were playing on the playground or scouting around the halls talking about aliens living in the ceiling.

The last time I talked to you was at a memorial service. It had been a while, but we were talking about our writing. Your stories, my stories, the books we wanted to write. Our conversation must have stretched for an hour, an hour and a half.

I try not to have regrets when I think of you. Instead I am glad that I knew you, that we had what we had. I loved you Quest, and I still do. You have and forever will be one of the kindest, gentlemanly, caring people I have had the pleasure to know. I am grateful for your presence in your life, and it grieves me unbelievably that our time together has been cut so short, and so unexpectedly.

I will try to keep in mind that it is almost the start of a new year. What I request of all of my friends, of everyone who knew Quest and of the people who did not, is to be kind. Relish the time you have with your family and your friends and your loved ones. Over 2013, over the rest of your life, be a little kinder. Try to make someone smile. Laugh. Give hugs, for an embrace is truly the deepest form of love. And never, ever forget the volume of these three simple words.
"I love you."
Rest easy, Quest. Thank you for being in my life

   Joycelyn L.
   The aliens in the ceiling...wow i totally forgot about that, i used to crush up slugs and stand on top of the bathroom

   stalls and put them in the ceilings...wow those were the days
​
   Catherine G.
   Do you remember making fun of the Bloody Mary rumors? Pretending the green soap was alien blood?
​
   Joycelyn L.
   yesss and playing star wars on the play ground even though i had never seen the movies. he was a great captain to

   our crew...



​Sam L.
Quest Jaeger I was just getting to know you and was happy to be doing so you made each morning this year brighter, always ready with a smile and kind word, rest easy and peacefully you will be missed and my thoughts are out to your family and friends

Taryn H.
Quest, you were the man! When you were a sophomore, and I was a senior, we had the same study skills together, and you were so funny, dude. Although quiet, you were still so kind. Eat the blueberry, my man. [:

Alex E.
You were undoubtedly the kindest person I knew, I can't recall ever seeing you in a bad mood. You were thoughtful and patient and without you I know my own life well be a bit bleaker. I hope you are at peace Quest

Joycelyn L.
Quest Jaeger even though we have grown apart you are still one of the nicest people I know. I rememeber back in elementary school playing on the play ground with you and Catherine Geiger and Connor Fitzhenry, I can honestly say those for some of the best times of my life. You're such a brilliant person and I wish your family the best of luck

Cece C.
Quest, by far the nicest person I've ever known. He would always say hi in the hallways and never not have a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. This world has lost an amazing person. Rest In Peace, Quest.

James T.
Quest, man I loved you like a brother. Not only are you one of the nicest people I ever met, you were also a great leader. All of your speeches you made in classes were amazing and I can't comprehend how good your leadership and people skills are. I always looked up to you, seriously. I always thought you'd end up being the president or a CEO of a big company, and you probably were going too. Rest easy dude, ill never forget you.

Pranav N.
Quest although I never knew you well you have touched my life by always smiling in the halls, holding doors open and waving at everyone you saw. You are one of the nicest people to ever go to ORHS and you will never be forgotten. You have impacted me even if we were never close. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I am at a complete loss for words. RIP Quest



Jason Shamesman
Quest, you were such fun to be around. The moment you entered a room, you would lighten the mood and bring a smile to my face. Whether running together in cross country or just chatting in between classes, you were truly such an intelligent, strong, happy and wonderful guy to be with. ALL OF US miss you so so so so much, and we will never, ever forget you. RIP

Claire S.
Quest truly was one of the best at Oyster River. There was never a day where I saw him without a smile on his face. Your really had a huge impact on everyone you've met. Rest in peace you will be missed.

Aidan D.
Quest, I just couldn't believe what I heard. You were a great friend who I am honored to have known. You made school that much better and you will be missed by everyone. Much love to you and your family.

Kelly D.
Quest, you were one of the nicest people in our grade. You always put everyone else first, whether it was holding the door open for them or just smiling at them. Our school won't be the same without you.

Adam S.
Quest, I can't believe that you're gone. It isn't fair, you blessed everyone with your presence... I will never forget you and I'm just sad that I wasn't able to be as close to you as I would have liked.

Jayson J.
yesterday I was sad to be informed that my beautiful cousin died. Quest Jaeger was the best cousin in the world. He was someone I could talk to if I needed help or just someone to talk to. He was only 17. I loved him with everything. He wasn't just my cousin but my friend one of my best. Without him idk what I would of done. My life will be so different without him. He will be missed by all. RIP 12.30.12 Quest Jaeger

Michael R.
Unlike most of your friends, I only first met you in U.S History this year. Being a senior in a junior class, I didn't know many people in that class so I sat with the one person I knew and to my luck, you sat there next to me. I'll admit, I didn't warm up to you immediately but as class went on, I saw you more and more as a friend to me. You always asked me how I was doing when I sat next to you and I appreciated that more than I think I conveyed to you. I always had great conversations to you whether it was about your captain america phone case or your hoganmighty mouse shirt. Even now, I'm remembering your drawing you did during the cowboys and such unit that you put so much work into and with good reason too! That drawing was absolutely amazing and I was so impressed with your talent. I am so sad that I didn't get to really know you more than I did and more than anything, I'm really saddened that I won't get the chance to any longer. Finally, I just have to say that now that you've moved on, I hope your final thought was a nice one. As time goes by, I'm happy that I will be able to remember you using the current profile picture you have since that picture itself just seems like it represented you just so greatly with you just smiling, kind of how you seemed to be able to make others smile. I'll miss you man, we all will. Rest in piece and I hope I see you again one day.



​Erica S.
Our families have vacationed together each and every year for over a decade, and each and every year we seem to get closer. Yes, when our families mix for this one week, chaos comes without warning. We never seem to expect it, but it always arrives within minutes of settling into the house. Even though there are some crazy moments, the good definitely outshine the bad. Each year comes with a new bundle of stories, but here are some of my favorites.
This may be the most memorable of them all. I don’t remember the year it was, but it was a while ago. You were maybe nine or ten. You had this idea in your mind. I think you told it to Kaz since you two seemed to be on the same page about things. It was before sunset. We were on Lambert’s Cove Beach. All of a sudden you two boys stood up and shouted “BEACH PEOPLE ARE FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” And then the two of you started running full speed ahead to towards the big rock (which seemed to get smaller each year we visited the beach). The rest of us looked at each other and didn’t know what to do. Zephyr and I, we started running, as well as your dad and mine. We all thought that you boys would stop at the big rock, but you didn’t. You kept running. I don’t think I have ever seen that much of Lambert’s Cove as I had that day. Eventually Zephyr and I dropped out since we were tired, but the Dads had to keep going. I guess they eventually caught up to you guys, since you all came back in a bunch. A few days later it happened all over again. The only thing different, you convinced the Johns boys to go along with the plan. And you guys took the shovels. Once again you were chased, and once again you came back to the blanket. The next year we celebrated the One Year Anniversary of Beach People are Free. Your parents made some shirts. We all put them on. All of the kids ran to the big rock. It was still a time when it was a challenge to climb, still bigger than we were. Now, despite our parents protests, it has gotten smaller (I guess we have gotten bigger, too). There was once a day when only a few of us could climb that rock, and that was a great feat. And now, each time I go to the beach, I remember that, yes, I am free!

Summer 2010. We stayed in Oak Bluffs at the pink run down house near town. It rained almost every day, except the last two. One night, we decided to go out, me, you, Kaz, and Zephyr. We walked down the street to Bill and Ben’s, the best ice cream shop on the Island. Of course, it was raining that night, so we dilly dallied while eating. We all talked while we ate, sharing stories and laughs. There was no one in the little place but us. And then, all of a sudden in rushed a big group. It didn’t matter to us, it was just us four and we had a few hours away from the annoying little boys. We were maybe half done eating our ice cream when one of us, I forget who, whispered that we were in the midst of the Secret Service. They were at the table next to us. We tried to glance secretly at them (although it probably wasn’t secret at all). We looked at the clear little spindly cord sticking out of their ears and the dark black outfits they wore. We all wanted to get a picture, but as soon as they saw the camera, they asked us to put it away. They said, “We ask for no pictures, as they would like to enjoy their vacation.” Who was they? Clearly the Secret Service were not on vacation, they were here to work. After we finished our ice creams we left the shop and saw Secret Service stationed in every door way along the entirety of the street. What was going on? As we passed the grocery store, it all seemed to click. We had just eaten ice cream with Obama’s daughters. We did a quick Google search on our phones just to make sure. As we looked at the picture we realized that the tall girl who ordered strawberry ice cream was Malia, the littler one who had the vanilla, she was Sasha. We were in awe for days.

Summer ’09 or ’07 (I think ’09). We stayed at the farm house that had the wild bunnies on the lawn. It was a rather warm vacation. This year, probably more so than any other year, we had an excess amount of food. On the last night of our stay, you, Kaz, Zeph, and me, we all pigged out. We ate for hours upon hours, well into the early morning. We tried to eat all the food since it would just take up room in our cars. We talked and told lame jokes. We were tired and we laughed at nothing. We told silly stories and poked fun at one another. We were the only ones awake; no one bothered us. We called it a Waffle Party, since we ate multiple boxes of Eggo waffles. And each year since, us four have enjoyed a Waffle Party on the last night of our stay.

Summer 2012. We finally stay walling distance into Oak Bluffs, but this house was truly a crap shoot. The first night we were there we were all so excited to be close to town. You knew Zephyr and I wanted to take a walk to the carousel and Back Door Donuts. As we were about to leave, you were the first to step outside. You looked up at the sky and told us that it looked as if the skies could open any second. Zeph and I, we shook off your warning and said who care, we’re on vacation, let’s go have some fun. So we started walking, but all we knew was the general direction. It was dark and there were no street lights. We joked and said that if we were to get jumped, you would save us (although no one will ever get jumped on good ole Martha’s Vineyard). So we continued walking. We got our bearings within a few minutes. We walked to the Flying Horses. We had a pass with a few punches left, but you said you didn’t want to go on. For as long as I can remember you have always watched, never really into wasting time on a carousel. Neither of us girls caught the Brass Ring and won ourselves a free ride. We came out of the gate in our usual manner, smiling. You told us that it was raining out. Pouring may have been a better word. It was a torrential down poor. It looked like a five minute storm, but it wasn’t. We bolted as quickly as we could to Bill and Ben’s to get our ice cream. After we finished eating it we asked for a plastic bag so that our phones wouldn’t get damaged. You and your always kind self offered to carry all three phones in your camo cargo pants. After tucking them securely into your side pocket, we once again ran in our slippery sandals around the corner to the parking lot were back door donuts is. For once, there was no line (due to the rain, of course!). We walked straight up to the counter and the employees laughed at us. They shook their heads and told us that we were crazy, but we knew that already. We got a dozen donuts for breakfast the next morning, but one for each of us as well. As we ran through ankle deep water, we ate our donuts. The rain came so heavy that all the glaze dripped off of them. We found a little sheltered place where you called your mom to see if she could pick us up. You also took two lovely pictures of Zephyr and I holding donuts in the pouring rain stand in ankle deep puddles. It was on a hill, and my flip flop almost floated away from me. Your mom agreed to pick us up, so once again we had to walk back to the Flying Horses. Along the way we had to pass by an awning where many people had taken shelter. As we walked by, the overall reaction from the people was definitely “Holy Sh*t!” No one could believe how drenched we were. When we had just one street left to cross, an Island public transportation bus got in our way. It drove straight through a GINORMOUS puddle and splashed the three of us. Practically simultaneously, all three of us stuck up our middle fingers and said F you. When we got home, none of us were allowed to leave the kitchen in our wet clothes. We had to strip down there and walk upstairs with a towel covering us. It was a night of laughs. Everything seemed surreal, especially the weather. You know, Zephyr and I are the dumb blondes of the bunch, and practically anything we say or do doesn’t make any sense at all. That was the night you told us that we should have our own reality show: Zephyr and Erica Take Martha’s Vineyard. You knew it would be a hit. And just so you know, you were lucky when you said you wanted to stay home two days after that hectic night. It was the night when Zephyr and I walked for about two hours to find Back Door Donuts, which should have only been ten minutes away. I think that was the one time you didn’t fall into our accidental stupidity.

Summer ’08 (I think). This is one of my mom’s favorite stories about you. It was the only year that we didn’t vacation to Martha’s Vineyard, but instead to Bar Harbor, Maine. My mom took a walk with you in the woods. This was when you announced to her that you were in fact adopted and your real parents were aliens. You were always fascinated by aliens and the super natural. I remember years and years ago, maybe when we were seven or eight, you wrote a rather detailed short story about a person’s encounter with aliens.
You were like a brother to me. I love you, Quest. We all love you.



​Elizabeth H.
Hello?
Eric: Hello
This is Quest's Dad, Eric
Elizabeth: Hi, I was hoping you were there.
I just wanted to say I saw the picture of all of his friends toasting to him and I instantly burst into tears. Even if I really didn't know him as well as I wanted to I know that he was always really nice to me. I haven't been able to stop crying and it's kind of silly but it's so hard to think of someone who was so full of life, to be gone in an instant.
Eric: Elizabeth...your words touch my heart
Elizabeth: Thank you but I can't even imagine how you feel if I feel like this. He was SO full of life. I'm not good with these things.
Eric: I feel horrible, but your words and everyone else's words about our son are sustaining us. He touched so many people.

I was on Quest's 2009 Teen Wilderness Adventure Trip, and I was there when our leader Anthony told us the monk and the blueberry story. It clearly left a mark on Quest, and it also left a mark on me. From what I remember, the story is such an accurate representation of his excited, lively, and very compassionate character. Although we connected in such a small way for such a short amount of time, he has touched me and he will live on in any of my future tellings of that beautiful and inspiring story.