It is not very often that a Shoulders of Giants piece is about a literal giant, but anyone who knows Wes probably looks up to him. Yet despite his size, he is always wearing a smile and ready to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.
What is funny is that when we first met through the Performing Arts Society, we did not like each other for some reason. Years later, after reconnecting, we spent many hours trying to figure out why. At the time, however, we seriously wanted to fight. I had a really big bark back then—one completely disproportionate to my size. I can admit now that I would not have been the victor had a conflict arisen, even with my current level of training, much less the level I had at the time.
We met again years later in St. Paul. I had taken a part-time job at McDonald's, where Wes happened to be working. As soon as we saw each other, our eyes lit up, almost as if they were saying, "Hey! A Two Hills person! I know you!" We quickly forgot our previous clash and became best friends almost instantly.
As we got to know each other, I realized what a genuine heart he has and how deeply he cares for his family, community, and people in general. We shared countless laughs and faced tough times together. Growing up in our beautiful community, we often spent hours doing nothing more than driving around the county and talking. I cannot begin to recount the number of times I laughed so hard that my stomach and face hurt. Even when it felt like my world was spinning out of control, he was the first person I would message. In an instant, he would drop whatever he was doing and be there, no matter when I needed him.
He is the true definition of a friend, and I am sure I am not alone in that opinion. I have no doubt there are many people in the community who have their own stories about Wes and the kindness he has shown them over the years. Though distance and life have taken us down separate paths, he continues to influence my actions and thoughts. To this day, I know that if I needed help and sent him a message, he would be ready to answer the call in a moment.
It is friendships like these that have embedded the community of Two Hills so deeply in my heart and mind. They are friendships I will cherish for the rest of my life.
