Hey everyone,

This article won't be published until after this anniversary has passed, but it was submitted on June 2nd, a date we all remember too vividly even a year later. When our good friend decided to take his own life, just days before we walked across the stage to accept our high school diplomas, we all were shocked to our cores. I know I can speak for all of us when I say that this year has been one of big changes, and he should have been here with us. This article is to you, a year later, after so much has changed.

I've seen a lot of you now that I'm home for the summer, and we're all moving forward with our lives. It's great to see the progress that we as individuals can make even just one year out of high school, and I have never been more grateful for the people I can call my friends. In quiet moments, though, we sometimes pause and smile sadly at each other, our thoughts on the same person. Why he made the decision he did, we will never know, and I think that's the hardest part.

We all have our favorite memories of him, to be sure. I love telling stories about him, that tall kid who could make your day brighter just with a smile. He was wicked good at video games and a great friend to all who were blessed to have him in their lives. I'm sure I wouldn't have made it through Anatomy & Physiology my senior year had it not been for him and a few others. There are a million stories to tell about his goofiness, and I'm almost certain that everyone who knew him felt blessed having done so.

I want y'all to know that I am so, so proud of all of us. It's been tough, yes, especially for those of us who knew him very well. Graduation and this year would have been a hell of a lot different had he been with us. But, just as time does, we have carried on. Don't be afraid to talk about him: telling stories and reminiscing is how we keep him alive now, in our memories. Time supposedly heals all wounds, but that doesn't mean we have to forget him. Some days it'll feel like it's the first time you found out all over again, but it'll get a little easier. Know that you have a support system at your back whenever you need to talk.

This last bit is just to Alec himself: we miss you, so much. That, I don't think, will ever change, and I don't think it should. Though grieving may get easier the longer you're gone from us, I don't think we will ever stop missing you. The pain that you were in has stopped now, and we, your friends and loved ones, will carry you in our hearts and memories. I've written about you before and no doubt will again, but as always, thank you for letting me know you. Love you, kiddo. Fly high.

Love,

Molly