It's hard to think about all of the friends who have been taken from us too soon. There will never be a day that I wake up and just expect to see someone so young, so close to my age, pass away. I think about all of the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead, and it's hard to grasp that you won't be here walking that path with me. Within the last year or two, my lovely little town has lost some good ones. Our little town has rallied together to get through the hard times, but that doesn't make it any easier. This is my tribute to you all: We miss you.
I'll miss your smiling face walking through the hallway of the high school we all attended. I'll miss your sly smile and quick remarks to every joke made to you. I'll miss seeing you run out onto the field under the Friday night lights, or attend your bonfires on the lot you owned. I'll miss seeing you race through the speedway or see you win the competition. I'll miss your goofy, deep laugh when someone told a bad joke. I'll miss your ability to light up a room as soon as you walked in. And most of all, I'll miss your friendliness to anyone who crossed your path. You knew how to make everyone feel special and like they mattered. You had more friends than anyone I know, and this is hard for us all.
You all have left us in various ways for various reasons. For those who felt they couldn't live this life anymore, I wish I could've helped. I wish I could've noticed the signs and been the shoulder to lean on, just as you had been for me many times. I can say "I wish" a million times, but sadly, my wish will never come true. For those who were taken from us on purpose, I just can't believe it. For someone to hurt such a sweet soul, it's tragic. You were one of the best people around, and did not deserve this. I truly hope the individual responsible learns what a great person you were and gets the punishment they deserve, but that won't bring you back.
A tragedy like your passing hits everyone at home. We all can come together and lean on each other, but we just want you here with us. It will never get easier, no matter how much time passes. We will always say "What if we had been there to help?" or "I wish I had one more day with you." But the reality is that we don't get that. However, you will never become just another statistic.
While we've lost a few too many, we've also learned how to keep their spirits alive. To those we've lost, we love you. We will remember you. We will think of you often. And we will see you soon. Fly high, my friends.
A tribute to Zack Donatti, Sonny Buchanan, Cody Goodrich, Ethan Halverson, Shayne Laidler and all of the other beautiful souls who are no longer with us. Fly High, my friends.
