Steven Contreras

We all know Steven in different ways and have our own special memories. I had the privilege of growing up with Steven from a very young age. The best part about him, in my opinion, is he was a big kid at heart. His sense of wonder and adventure brought me out of my comfort zone and always made for an exciting time. When I was scared to go on rollercoasters, he would pretend to be more scared so I would forget about my fear and laugh at him. When I would stay home sick from school, he would stay home “sick” with me and have me give him “medicine”, which would be whatever candy we had in the house…that was actually pretty brilliant and I plan on doing that to my future children  He had these wolf paw slippers and me, my mom and Steven would play The Three Little Pigs, and Steve would be the big bad wolf. I really do not think there could be anything we could suggest that he would not be up for.

Steven was also a huge animal lover. While growing up, I had a Chihuahua named Little Lady. Although Steven insisted bigger dogs were better, it was not long before she had him wrapped around her paw. Last Christmas, I got to see him with his dog Chewy, also a Chihuahua, and saw the joy they brought to each other.

Steven’s love of life and infectious laugh will always be missed, but I think we can all say he brought the big kid out in all of us and we are all the better for knowing him.

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Dr. Seuss