Adam Paulson Snyder

West Point, 2004

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Leann Yi on May 7, 2008:

Adam, I didn't even know until about 2 weeks ago. It's taken me this long to finally stop in and say a few words about you and the impact you've had on my life. I've been kind of in denial about it, since I found out. So, apparently, I had a crush on you for a long time - since I joined Glee Club in fall of 2002 during yuk year. (I loved that you sat behind me, because I could hear your awesome voice during practice.) I didn't know it... and when I asked you about it, you didn't either. But, everyone else said it was pretty obvious. Funny to think back on it now. :) If I were to pick out the reasons why I would have a crush on you, your character would be number one on the list. You were never judgmental, and always insisted on doing right. I remember when the Glee Club sang for a general's memorial. Most of us didn't know the guy - so there was some of our usual giggling jokes and whatnot before the singing commenced. I witnessed the giggling and joking, but did nothing. After the memorial, you sent out a mass email to everyone in the Glee Club and expressed your disdain at how we acted as a whole. Even though I wasn't one of the ones joking around, I felt ashamed for not having said something to those around me who were messing around to try to get them to be quiet. I think of you fondly when I remember how you treated me, compared to how most others treated me. There were many people who judged me, based on what others said about me and before they took the time to get to know me. You were never like that. You took time to get to know me, and valued me as a person, instead of following along with a lot of other folks and putting me down. You always had time to listen to me whine, kind words to lift me up when I was down, and good, solid advice when I was having any sort of issue. You were the "jack of all trades" when it came to dealing with somebody - no matter what sort of problems they were experiencing. I remember Glee Club team building at Buckner during your firstie year, my cow year. We got really close to each other during those few days. I recall walking around the lake at night, looking up at the stars together, giving each other massages, and me loaning you my sweatshirt, because I wasn't cold... and you were. Man, that sweatshirt looked too small on you. It was funny. But no worries, you won't ever feel too cold or too hot where you are. I bet the weather is just fantastically perfect in Heaven. I remember teasing you when we were in the salsa-like dance portion of the lessons, while we were ballroom dancing partners. I giggled at how you shifted weight from one foot to the other while dancing, and then you exaggerated it, and made me laugh harder. Even though you had already done ballroom dancing before, you agreed to be my partner and go through it again. It was sweet how you'd "pick me up" from my room to go to the lessons. And I enjoyed "picking you up" from your room on my way from my last class to Glee Club practice - since it was on the way and all. Our "sort of" relationship didn't last long - but it was some of the best fun I've ever had. I remember how much more mature you were than me. I was struggling with some emotions, and we sat down and talked it out without getting upset or creating any other issues. You made me see things in a different light, and then everything became clear. And, I was able to make a decision about something that had been gnawing at me for weeks. You were always able to get me to smile. I remember seeing you so happy the day you got your class ring. You were so proud. And that made me smile. I remember how excited you were to be doing that swim across the Hudson. That made me smile, too. I remember how ecstatic you were when you finished the swim - and then, of course, I smiled. You were also so full of life, and I envied that... seems like a lot of people did. :) You were such an inspiration to me and everyone else around you. You were kind, but stern; fun and funny, but serious when necessary; generous with your time and your heart; and so much more. When I saw you last, right before my graduation banquet, you still had that stellar smile - and I could still feel your strength and warmth in your hand shake and hug. I never would've thought that, that would be the last time I saw you. I wish I had been better about keeping in touch with you. To Adam's Family, My sincerest condolences. I hope that you find peace in knowing that he is with the Lord now and watching over all of us from a much better place than this world. We are all better people for having had the opportunity to interact with such a wonderful man. Sincerely, 1LT Leann S. Yi USMA '05

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