I have written this beginning dozens of times, but I have slowly come to realize that the reason none of this sounds right is because there are no words in existence that will ever be enough to encompass all that is Megan Schroeder.

Megan was one of those people that you will only meet once in a lifetime. Her kindness, respect, empathy, and spirit were enough to light up a room and chase away any darkness. For me, she chased away all of the darkness.

Megan knew everything about me, sometimes even before I knew myself. At times, I would feel guilty for keeping something from her, and my conscience would eat at me for days. When I finally built up the courage to say it out loud to her, she would simply say, “I know.” She then explained to me that she had known all along, and she was just waiting patiently for me to be ready and tell her on my own. Her patience was beyond admirable.

Megan was selfless. She always put others' needs above her own, and that is something that I have loved since the first day I knew her. The way that she did not believe in the word “hate” and always found the best in people just added to the list. I loved the way that she always knew how to make me laugh. We were constantly joking, and her laugh is one of the things I miss the most. I loved everything about her, and always will.

As I have always believed, a picture truly is worth a thousand words. So, where my words have failed me, let these pictures show you what absolute beauty and grace really is.

On November 22, 2016, I lost a part of me. Also on that day, I gained the most beautiful guardian angel. I can never thank Megan enough for everything that she has done for me, and for loving me so much. From here on out, everything I do is for her. Megan, this is for you. You fought the fight, and I am so proud of you. I hope that I can make you proud of me as well.

"Wherever you fly, this isn't goodbye"

#FightTheFight #AMillionForMegan