Our lives have a deadline and we all hope to die after all of our life's endeavors have been accomplished. Yet, sometimes, some people do not get that chance. I have had to receive painful reminders of that a lot this year from hearing about recent deaths of some of my former classmates from high school.

We had grown up together, played side by side. We went to class together and laughed at the moments that passed by. The children in us never forgot how the other was. Our lives were intertwined as we spent our grade school years building ourselves. You were there for the embarrassing parts and the happy moments. We sang side by side in the many choir concerts that our parents forced us to do.

We made jokes about the little things we knew about each other. We joked about what would become of us in 10 years... But unfortunately, we could not see if it was true. Would you have really become the doctor you dreamed of being? Or the singer we wished you to be? Would you have struggled through college and made a big break in your life? Or led a mediocre life?

I wish we could have been more in contact these past few years as we headed on to follow our dreams. Maybe I could have learnt more about you before it was too late. Believe it or not, you were a part of my life, even if small. The tales that were made from your every little joke to the class mischief that started because of you. You must know that we all miss you dearly.

Do you remember the time someone actually used an excuse for not bringing their homework? Or the time we almost had a food fight, but it didn't spark enough interest to actually continue? Do you remember how you fell for your first crush and we all knew they liked you back? Or how the substitute called you a different name and we all corrected it?

Maybe you would have considered me an acquaintance or a classmate, but I considered you my friend. Someone who was there to make a joke or two and make me laugh. Someone who had been there to smile and make my day. Those little things you did definitely help me out. I know wish I could have been there for you.

You see, we grew up and moved on, but I still remembered the chubby kid from second grade who loved to play tag and loved eating ice cream in a cup. Not only did we graduate together, we practically saw each other change from the ugly duckling to the graceful swan. I do not know how else to tell you how much your departure not only affected your close friends, but also me, just a girl you went to school with.

However the way it played out, our whole school was like one big family. We knew about everyone, and if someone leaves permanently, it hurts just as badly as losing a family member because that's what we are: a family.

As a friend, I would hope to see you succeed in all that you do. To achieve everything we could wish for you. And now, I can wish you peace. Find the peace in your soul to rest. Rest knowing that we still remember you by all your positive attributes.

And thank you for allowing me to get to know an amazing person like you. Rest in peace, my friend.