To my friend’s attacker,
Some time ago, you tried to kill my friend. It was a time I will never forget, no matter how hard I try. You almost robbed me of someone I love dearly. By the grace of God, she is still with us today. You did not succeed. If you had been successful, hundreds of lives would never be the same.
I want you to realize taking her life would not have been just another death. To her family, her friends, her teachers, her classmates, her employers, she is a fountain of joy. This girl you tried to kill lifts so many people’s spirits. She is someone who intently listens to everyone and genuinely cares for everyone she meets. I hope you understand the murder would not have only affected you and her.
You almost took away a girl’s best friend. You almost stole a man’s treasured daughter. You almost robbed a mother of one of her deepest loves. You almost deprived a sibling of their role model. You almost snatched away someone’s secret crush, someone’s only smile of the day, someone’s sole encourager and someone’s motivation to go on living.
You could have taken away one of my largest supporters. You could have stolen all of the late-night and long conversations. You could have stolen away endless hugs and hours of laughter. You could have robbed me of many beautiful memories and many blissful days. You could have deprived me of my encouragement, my motivations, my “normal.”
At times, I wonder how you could not see how much this girl is treasured. How could you not see the dozens of people who are impacted every day by this girl’s love? How could you not see how big of an influence she is wherever she goes? How could you want to take the life of someone who never stops putting others before herself, even complete strangers?
I have watched this girl pay for other people’s groceries when they did not have the money. I have seen her comfort those who are crying, even when she had a terrible day herself. I have observed this girl reach out to those who are easily overlooked. I have viewed this girl loving those who have hurt her more deeply than anyone could understand.
Thankfully, I don’t have to know how her murder would have affected me, but I know my life would have never been the same. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep. I wouldn’t have been able to eat. I wouldn’t have been able to concentrate. I wouldn’t have been able to move on. I wouldn’t have been able to look at life the same way ever again. I wouldn’t have been able to live life freely. I wouldn’t have been able to walk anywhere she had been without breaking down.
You did not succeed. I thank God every day that she is still here. No matter what happens, she is able to walk on this earth. I will never take her life for granted. Her sibling, her mom, her dad, her grandparents, her friends, her classmates, her teachers, her employers - we are all eternally grateful you did not succeed.
To my friend’s attacker: Herself.
Love, a friend who will always love you.
