Dear friend who left way too soon,

It feels like it was only yesterday when we were having conversations about our futures and laughing over the daily struggles of middle school. The memories that will remain the most vivid are of us sitting on the gym stage during recess, just talking about whatever came to mind. I will always remember the green coat you wore daily. It was your trademark and it made you different from all the rest.

You were kind, goofy, and undeniably loyal. Not to mention, you made me laugh and feel relaxed in the most stressful times of school. I did not deserve a friend like you. I'm afraid to say I cannot recall the first time we met, but I do know I made a good enough impression for you to stick around. Thank you for selecting me to be one of the people you associated yourself with. It was and still is an honor.

It was rather recent when I came across my memory box hidden away in the basement. It was full of mementos and pictures from our private school years. I took a look back at our cringy, but good intentioned 8th grade scrapbooks. Discovering our photo booth pictures from the 8th grade graduation party made me smile, and reading your love letter where you referred to me as your "guardian angel" brought tears to my eyes. Your unwavering kindness towards me is something I will never forget.

I'm sorry we lost touch and stopped talking after our freshmen year of high school. I hope you know the distancing was never purposeful and that you and your family stayed on my mind through the years. I hope you know I always cared.

So, to hear the news that your life came to an abrupt end left me speechless. To know that your life was cut short left me devastated. To know I may never fully understand what brought this tragedy, leaves me helpless. To know the sadness we all feel leaves me questioning why, but I hope that you are now at peace. I'm sorry your journey on this Earth ended before it even really began.

I try not to dwell on the "what if?"s While you may have had more to do in this world, you already did a significant amount by being my friend. God did me the favor of letting you exist and I am so thankful I got to know you in middle school. However, the amount of years knowing you does not feel like enough. Nevertheless, I'll cherish the memories we did share and think of your smile everytime you cross my mind.

I leave you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Your friend