Hey Christian. I hope you're doing well. I know you're in a better place now, but I wanted to check-in anyways. It's been difficult for me since you've been gone, especially today. I miss you so much. More than I could ever begin to describe. To be honest, finding motivation to push through life has been challenging. I think about you each and every day, and in doing so, I realize how big of a role you played in my life.

You were an inspiration to me first of all. How you built a career in IT in such a short amount time showed how dedicated you were to achieving your goals. Your persistence and eventual success motivated me to stick through my career path. I also envied your kind and selfless personality. No matter what you were going through, it seemed like loved ones were prioritized over yourself. It's not easy to do this when life gets in the way, but your patience and humanity meant the world to so many people who needed that attention. I wish you would have given yourself the same compassion and forgiveness that you shared with others.

You were also my best friend. I told you this many times, but I wish I emphasized this more to you. Any moment I needed someone to talk to, you were there for me. There had been many times when I had doubts about school and work, but you gave me so much motivation and encouragement that helped me get to where I am now. I miss the fact that we could talk about anything to each other. Every time I came back home I loved catching up with you and laughing about jokes that only you and me found funny. I also still haven't found anyone that shares the same love for spicy food that you had.

And more than anything else, you were the best brother I could ever ask for. I know you were my only brother, so I'm inherently biased, but... I was more than lucky to have such a great person like you in my life. It's truly painful to grasp the fact that you're gone. I still can't believe it. I came home for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year expecting to feel some kind of comfort, and I did a bit, but we all realized that there was something missing. Life is not the same without you, and we're still struggling with the fact that nothing will ever be the same or normal again.

I guess the only thing that gives me a bit of solace is that you're not in pain anymore. I wish you could've seen the 100+ people at your memorial service. The love so many people had and still have for you is countless. I'd like to think that you're still here with all of us so that you can realize how beautiful of a person you were inside and out.

Just know that I am still so proud of you and everything you accomplished. I will always love you, man.

- Michael

I am so sorry for the loss of your son.  Will be praying for you and your family.

Karen Bentle

Our deepest sympathy to the Chapa family.  No words to describe just sending lots of prayers to the family.

Spencer, Vickey and Sue.

My deepest condolences to your family during this time. 

Chapa was someone who I always felt was incredibly easy to get along with in high school. The memories I made with him playing video games are amongst my fondest, and his laugh was so contagious. I will never forget him.