Eighteen-year-old Ben Breedlove was just any normal teenager from Texas, with good looks, a contagious smile and a heartwarming story.

Unfortunately, on Christmas day Ben passed away from his heart disease that he’d been fighting with his entire life. But just days before that awful Christmas day, Ben left behind a video that’s sure to make you tear up.

Set to an instrumental version of “Mad World“, Ben talks about the life he’s led with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, documenting the three times he’s ‘cheated death’ and what it felt like to be on death’s door. The catch? He doesn’t speak one word the entire time. He writes his thoughts on notecards, showing off a bright smile every now and then as you read.

There are two parts of the video, the first is below and the second is underneath.

[lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Kid Cudi[/lastfm], Ben’s favorite rapper, took to his Tumblr page to comment on the beautiful inspiration this boy was.

Iam so sad about Ben Breedlove. I watched the video he left for the world to see, and him seeing me in detail, in his vision really warmed my heart. I broke down, Iam to tears because I hate how life is so unfair. This has really touched my heart in a way I cant describe, this is why I do what I do. Why I write my life, and why I love you all so much. Life is really fucked up sometimes, but I know Ben is at Peace, and I hope he gets a chance to sit and talk with my Dad. We love you Ben. Forever. Thank you for loving me. To Ben’s family, you raised a real hero, he’s definately mine. You have my love.

Scott Mescudi

Rest in peace, Ben Breedlove, you’ll be missed by all.