It is hard. It is hard to think about what I would say to you, because there is so much to say to you. When you left, I felt like everything going on in the world stopped. I felt like there would never be a time when things would start to move forward again, but I was wrong. Our lives went on, and the world started turning again. Years have passed and things have happened, without you. I miss you. I miss you every day, and nothing will ever change that.
Did you know that I had only been to one or two funerals before I had to go to yours? I had had a couple relatives go to Heaven, but those funerals were different. When my great-grandmother passed away, she was ninety-six and had lived a long and wonderful life. You were different; you had so much more ahead of you, and it was not your time. I don't like to think about that time, because that time does not define who you were to me. Instead, I like to think about the countless times you made me and everyone else laugh. You were obnoxious, and you knew it; we all knew it, and we loved it. I think that was one of the reasons the grief hit us so hard. Not only did we lose a friend, but we lost one of the only people who knew how to make us feel better in hard times.
High school was difficult without you. We were all forced to move forward, but with every major event we were reminded that you were not there with us. We all knew you would be involved in everything you could be. When it came time to vote on who would be the class clown I had a hard time because, in my mind, that was always you. I have a lot of incredible memories from my high school years, but I know that you would have added so many more.
I miss you. We all miss you. What has happened is in no way fair. You would have lived a very happy life, and I want you to know that you always were and always will be loved by so many people. You might not be with us anymore, but I know that you were a part of my life for a reason. Thank you for the joy that you brought to the lives of everyone you touched. What happened to you was tragic, and it has taught me that life is short. I spend every day trying to live my life to the fullest, knowing firsthand that not everyone gets that opportunity. Your life may have been cut short, but it was beautiful, and you should always know that you still mean a lot to the people who had the blessing of knowing you. The pain has not gone away, and I do not think it ever fully will, but as you were a person who spent every day trying to make others smile, you should know that I smile every time I think about you. I know you are cracking jokes up there, and I look forward to hearing all of them when we meet again. Thank you for allowing me to be one of the people in your life. I will never forget the amazing person that you were, and you will always hold a special place in my heart.
