Two weekends ago was the first annual “Don’t Judge Me Pub Crawl” in memory of Greg Halstenson. Greg passed away back in late May of this year. We were out at a few bars in NE Minneapolis that last Friday in May and we all parted ways. Greg was found in a rail yard in St. Paul the following morning. The events that took place between when we last saw him and that next morning are still unknown. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing over the phone that next morning. I couldn’t believe it. He’s gone. For about a month or so every night laying in bed I would say that to myself, not believing it had happened. What a terrible thing to happen to someone so young. It was tough. I watched my best friend bury his best friend. A parent should never have to bury their child. Its supposed to be the other way around. I can’t begin to imagine what his family went through and my heart goes out to them. Well, this past weekend was a weekend for friends and family to get together to remember Greg.
I went to high school with Greg, but didn’t really get to know him until after that. A couple of rowdy and hilarious ski trips out to Colorado, and many nights hanging out in NE was where I really got to know Greg. He was the type of guy that would do anything he wants. If he got an idea, he’s gonna go through with it. He was the life of the party for sure. Greg was always in a good mood and ready for anything. I am happy to say that I considered Greg a friend of mine even if it was only for a few short years. The pub crawl was great. I think it was done right. The way Greg would have done it. We were ready to party hardy. We ruled the streets of NE that night. Bandanas, beads, and buttons, and booze. Go all out! It was great to meet people that I don’t know, but were friends with Greg. That night brought back all those memories of Greg, and it was great to share memories with others. This weekend we’ll be going out to Big Marine and camp on the island where there is a little memorial for Greg. One last weekend for this summer spent out on the island where Greg spent so many weekends. Hanging out with friends, camping, and fishing.
That whole night in late May has made me think differently. What little time we have on this planet needs to be cherished. Am I gonna continue to party every weekend and blow all my money at the bar? Or am I going to start growing up, make more of this opportunity that I have. The last couple of weeks since the pub crawl its been on my mind a lot. I feel that for a 26 year old, I could be doing more. I think to what Greg had. He had a nice little house in Heights, two dogs, and a boat. I know life is not about possessions, but I know he worked hard for those things, and were probably more then just possessions to him. Greg was truly one of a kind. The likes of which we’ll never see again. We miss ya Greg. May you R.I.P.
