What would 24 look like?

Today, Bodee Lane Peterson would have been 24. We find ourselves wondering what he would look like and who he would be.

At 9 years old, Bodee already had a way of living that most people spend their whole lives trying to learn. He lived 100%. He loved 100%. He rode down hills as fast as he could, chasing that feeling of freedom without hesitation. If he loved something, he did it passionately. If he loved someone, he loved them unconditionally. There was nothing halfway about him.

At 24, I imagine that wouldn’t have changed—only shifted and deepened.

Bodee would be the kind of young adult who still lives all in. The kind who throws himself into life as an adventure, not something to cautiously observe. He’d still find reasons to dance, and still turn ordinary moments into something worth celebrating. There would be laughter, probably a little chaos, and definitely music.

He would still love his people fiercely: his brother, sister, mom, dad, and especially his somewhat new niece. Shadow would be his spirit animal, just as she is now. I think he’d still be the one reminding everyone else to love out loud, to show it, say it, send the message, and never to wait. Maybe he’d even still send multiple valentines to the same person just to make certain they knew how much he loved them?

He would be the friend everyone needs. The one who shares what he has—even if it’s the last bit of his favorite treat, or by now, his last beer. “Be a friend” wouldn’t just be something he says; it would be something he lives, effortlessly. People would feel seen around him. Included. Important.

He’d still be resourceful, too. The kind of person who can fix things in unexpected ways—and probably still using bungee cords to solve problems.

I imagine he’d still move through the world curious about people instead of critical of them. Understanding that everyone carries pain—stories you can’t always see on the surface. The power of love, creativity, generosity, or the simple act of helping a stranger wouldn’t be big gestures to him—they’d just be part of who he is.

And his smile—his smile would still either light up a room or make you wonder what he’d been up to. Because there would still be a spark of mischief in him. Still up for a daring adventure. Or just a really questionable dare.

At 24, he might still be figuring life out like most people his age. But he would be doing it fearlessly with his heart wide open.

That’s the part that stays the same.

The hardest part is knowing we don’t get to watch it unfold. We don’t get to see the boy become the man.

But in a way, we do.

Because the way he lived—the way he loved—it didn’t disappear. It multiplied.

It shows up in the way that, because of Bodee, we all choose to love a little harder. Give a little more. Celebrate more often. Help someone we do not know. Hug someone a little longer.

And maybe the truth is—he’s still teaching us how to live.

Live like Bodee did.

100%. Generously. Fearlessly.