On February 23, 2007 around 2:15 am, a young man by the name of Christopher Louis Laurent had his life taken by a hit and run driver on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles, Ca.
I met "Lil" Chris in 1998 at Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Viejo, Ca when I transferred there from Dana Hills. Chris was a friend of my then girlfriend (now wife) Sarah's brother Dorian and it wasn't long before I considered him and the rest of their crew friends. I spent a lot of time with them seeing as how they were constantly over Dorian & Sarah's house, as was I. One specific memory I have of Chris was when him, Dorian & I were hanging out listening to the Mos Def's Black on Both Sides and I first heard "Umi Says". When I listened to the lyrics yesterday they seemed to speak a truth to me I should have learned then,
" Tomorrow may never come, for you or me, life is not promised". I've heard that song a thousand times since then and have never had it sink in like it has now. In fact, ironically the last time I saw Chris was at the Rock The Bells concert over the summer where Mos Def headlined and performed that very song. It's strange how things seem to come full circle like that.
Somehow Chris drifted from our group after high school but whenever I saw him it was a nice surprise to run into an old friend and he was always positive and had a smile on his face. When I would see him I would think first to call him "Lil" like old times but it just didn't fit anymore. He grew to be a man and I was proud to see that, even though it took some getting used to seeing him with facial hair:)
As I sit here typing with eyes welled with tears I can only wish that I had remained close to him and I know my group of friends probably feels the same way but what can we do? All we
can do is learn from this experience and remember to value friends and never be afraid to put yourself out there. Sometimes YOU (I) have to be the one to keep relationships alive!
Chris had no shortage of friends however and as I scroll through this online community called myspace that becomes more & more evident. I can't tell you how many bulletins I've read and how many R.I.P. Chris Laurent display names and pictures I've come across. People I didn't even know knew Chris have responded with kind words and heartfelt tributes. I'm sure that would put a smile on his face as it has mine. If anything, this tragedy has brought people together, put life in perspective, woke people up and had us
all contemplating our own mortality. We are
not invincible like we sometimes think and Chris has illustrated that vividly for us all.
I got nothing but love for you C-Gutta, rest in peace old friend and I guess I'll see you at the crossroads. May God bless your soul "Big" Chris.
Sincerely,
Andre Ramone Cliff
