My Dear Friend,
I can still remember the day we met. I was a scared little freshman, thinking that the band hall was a big and scary place. You were a sophomore who swooped in and took me under her wing. Ever since then, we were like sisters. It didn't matter if it was break-ups or breakdowns, we had each other's back.
Throughout high school we grew closer and our friendship blossomed. On bus rides, we made sure to get the best seats, which were always next to each other, and on Sosa's bus. As the bus driver drove to our destination, wherever it may have been, we found ourselves talking the entire way. It didn't matter if it was our bus ride to the football game or our trip to Washington D.C. We never ran out of things to talk about. We could talk about our family, boys, prom, we even talked about different puns you could make with food. I remember that when we were going to see Wicked in Dallas you came up with "Olive you," and couldn't find an olive emoji to go along with your pun. You were frustrated. More at the lack of sleep you had, being as it was the morning after prom and you had been dancing the night away in that big beautiful peacock dress.
Even after high school, although there were no more bus rides, there were still many heart-to-hearts and best friend date nights. I can still recall all the late night calls when one of us had boy or family troubles,You made me stronger, and not so insecure, and I repaid you in terrible puns and crappy jokes, but you laughed anyway. I always felt so safe and free to be myself when I was around you. I hope you felt the same way. It was as if yesterday I heard you snorting while you laughed. Pulling me as we skipped down the street in Washington D.C., getting stuck upside down in the flight simulator at the National Air and Space Museum. Those are the memories that I will treasure forever.
You left us too soon, and I know that it wasn't your intention. I wish you were still here, for just one more minute. So I could hug you once more, thank you once more. I know that there were still things that you wanted to do in this life, and now you can't. And for that, I am so very sorry. You were the ray of light in dark times, and a beacon of hope when people were in need. You lived your life with such dedication and determination, it was nothing short of inspiring. It is because of you that I learned to open up again.
Your love and kindness will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my dear friend. We love you.
