Hey girl,

It's been about 9 years since I last saw you. A lot has happened within that time, and I wish we could rekindle that friendship and share all of our life changes. We were the best of friends in elementary school; it was the time of our life. Having you in classes made school fun, and having you live right down the road allowed us to have endless play dates. Your sister always joined in on our fun which made us all feel like sisters. At one point we were inseparable. That was until the news came that your family was moving.

You moved away, but we were able to make it work for awhile. Our parents were very kind to drive 40 minutes just for us to have sleepovers and see each other. We were at an age where social media and phones were limited, so it was hard to keep in touch, but we made it work. Unfortunately, it went downhill even more when you moved again and this time it was a couple hour drive. We were in middle school then, so it was very difficult to plan any sleepovers or play dates, and we unfortunately lost contact. Then one day at school I got the news that decided this life was not for you.

Being only 14 years old, I couldn't grasp the news. I couldn't grasp the concept of suicide. I felt very sorry for you, your family, and everyone affected by your death, but I still couldn't grasp what happened. Since we lost contact, I think it didn't hit me as hard as it could have, but as I grow older and understand the severity of suicide and your death. I didn't blame myself or anyone for that matter when you passed away. All I saw was that you were unhappy with your life and felt too entrenched is the darkness that you couldn't get out. I wish you would not have left, but unfortunately, it has happened.

We'll never know what dark thoughts filled your mind, and what made you feel unworthy for your life. You were so young, and proved that suicide can affect all ages. You're future was cut short. Every day your story reminds me that everyone has their bad days, but we must keep pushing for tomorrow. Life is a blessing and no matter where you stand in life today, you won't be there forever. Your story has now become an example of how precious life is, and how important it is to spread awareness of suicide, depression and other mental illnesses. As much as your family and friends wish they could see you once more, they've been strong in the faith and their effort to spread awareness about your story. Although you couldn't see it at the time, you were (and still are) very loved.

You left all too soon, but one day we will meet again and rekindle our friendship. Rest in peace my dear and continue to watch over us all.

Sincerely,

Your old friend