Peter Cheng was a student, thinker, music lover, and great friend. I’ve known Peter since kindergarten, and we attended the same school until the eighth grade. Peter tragically passed away several weeks ago at the age of 22. This post is dedicated to him.
Peter – I remember the old times, hanging out at your place after school, playing Twisted Metal on the PlayStation and watching you eat microwaved fries drenched in olive oil. Even then, I knew you were a special guy. Brilliant, multi-talented, funny, kind.
I remember the times we spent in middle school band, where you basically held down the low-end with that lone baritone, back when Mr. Arroyo would arrange after school hockey games in the band room. And the times we traveled to Disneyland and other competitions to perform.
After middle school, we both went our separate ways – you to Bishop Amat and I to South Hills. We had periodic conversations online, mostly about music. Thanks for introducing some really great bands to me – you’ve always had an impeccable taste in music. I still listen to Pure Reason Revolution today.
It’s been many years since we last spoke in person, but I do remember the last time we met. It was nearing the end of high school, and I happened to run into you at the local Edwards Cinemas. After our quick chat about high school and life, we embraced, and I’m so thankful for that moment.
Several weeks ago by chance, your post on Facebook about Nietzschean affirmation popped up in my news feed, and I thought it was absolutely beautiful and profound:
“Some days I am so filled with existential doubt….Why am I here? What legacy will I leave behind? Am I really making a difference? But then I remember Nietzsche. ‘ …and if our soul has trembled with happiness and sounded like a harp string just once, all eternity was needed to produce this one event – and in this single moment of affirmation all eternity was called good, redeemed, justified, and affirmed.’ I recall all the moments I was truly happy and I realize a moment of joy can redeem a lifetime of pain. And so I do my best to carry on, singing and dancing while the music is playing.”
I will miss you, old friend. Thank you for the times you made my soul tremble with happiness. One day, I hope to see you again and enjoy listening to mbv with you. Until then, godspeed and may you rest in peace.
-Glen
“When you sleep tomorrow
And it won’t be long
Once in a while
When you make me smile”
You write beautifully!
Love his quote and this post. So tragic… I’m so sorry 🙁 may he rest in peace
Peter’s most favorable Scripture verses Revelation 14:1-5
Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. 3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. 5 No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.
Beautiful passage, thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry for your loss, Uncle Sean and Auntie Wendy. Our entire family will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.