Colby,

Colby — like Colby Jack, the cheese. I miss you.

It's been a year and a half since I found out you left this Earth. Over two years since the last time I saw you. Where did time go? I remember the last time I saw you like it was yesterday. The last thing I did was kiss you and say, "I love you, forever and always." When we broke up, I didn't know eight months later I would never be able to talk to you again. I learned so much from you when we were together, but I learned so much about myself when you passed away.

Keep your loved ones close.

Just like you, I've learned you never know when it's someone's time to go. I've learned to text or call the people that mean a lot to me, and tell them how lucky I am to have them in my life. I can't stand the thought of losing another friend without saying goodbye.

It's OK to miss them.

It's OK to miss the person once they have left this Earth. At one point in your life, that person meant the world to you. Colby, you were my everything for most of my senior year, and you got me through so many issues in my life. You always made me smile and laugh, and no matter what we did when we saw each other, we always had fun with each other. I miss that. I miss your laugh, your smile, your stupid little jokes and quotes you'd always say. When I think about you, I think about the good times and I miss them. But that's OK.

It's OK to cry.

Crying doesn't mean I'm weak, it doesn't mean anything, except for the fact that I miss you. I cry sometimes because life gets so stressful. I wish I could just call you. I cry because I wish I wouldn't have lost contact with you. Crying is OK because it shows that you care. It shows that no matter what happened, I cared about you. I cry because I should have text you the day before you passed away and I didn't, and I regret it.

Don't delete memories or pictures.

Even though the break up may have been ugly, or the friendship was ruined, don't delete anything. Once everything is deleted, you can't get it back. The worst part about losing someone is not having pictures of the memories you made together. Yes, the memories are in your head at all times, but sometimes you need to see the pictures and remember the good times with that person.

Always say I love you.

In today's world, people don't have time to see your close family members and friends often. But when you are able to see them or talk to them, do so. Don't waste a chance to see someone; it could be the last time you see them. Make sure the last thing you say to someone is you love them. Even if you're mad or pissed at them, do it. You'll thank yourself later.

If you're reading this, learn from my mistakes. Don't do what I once did.

Miss you tons, Colby Jack.

Danielle