By Darwin Cruz

As Oliver’s younger brother, I was always the recipient of a lot of hand me downs. I always got his old toys, books and clothes. It used to bother me when I was little, getting all these used goods. But actually even today I’m wearing some “hand-me-downs” that he told me I could have, and I think it’s a pretty good deal. Oliver passed on a lot more than material things to me, though. He was role model, mentor, friend and of course my big brother. While we fought a lot when we were kids, I still always wanted to be like him. He just seemed like he was good at everything. In school, I wanted to be as smart as him. I reached my Eagle Scout because of him. When we played video games, I always wanted to beat him. But, truth be told, he ALWAYS beat me. I could win once in awhile but no matter how hard I tried, he could always beat me consistently. It really wasn’t fair. Oliver was always there to give me advice. When I asked him for advice on college, he told me, “There are gonna be things you have to do but really don’t want to do. The secret is being able to make yourself do those things even if you don’t want to.” I listened to those words and so much other advice as I studied in college. When deciding a career and major, I knew that Oliver followed his heart to become a teacher, and I felt the freedom to do whatever I loved. His common sense and practicality helped me become the person I am today. Oliver’s quiet confidence and independence inspired me and helped me believe in myself. Searching through old photos, we found a quote that Oliver chose to put on a poster at his Eagle Scout Ceremony.

I hope my achievements shall be these…
That I have fought for what was right and fair
That I will have risked for that which mattered
That I will have given help to those who were in need
That I will have left the earth a better place for what I’ve done and been

I think Oliver achieved all of these things and more. He certainly left the Earth a better place, and that can be seen by looking around today. All of our relationships have been strengthened, and his courage and strength has had a positive influence on all of us. Our family has grown so much closer to God and also closer together since he was diagnosed. While I am sad that Oliver isn’t around anymore, I realize that he’ll always be around for me, whispering advice in my ear, and I’ll carry him in my heart. I’m happy for him, now that he can be with Jesus in heaven, and I can’t wait until we all join him. In the meantime, I will cherish the memories together and remain thankful for God’s gift of Oliver to us.

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