6 years ago on April 1st, 2012, I would receive the news that you were involved in a tragic accident. 6 years ago I would look at your Facebook page to see it filled with messages, memories, and pictures. 6 years ago I found out that I would never see or speak to you again.

It's weird to me, I still can't grasp the fact that you are gone. I remember singing with you in our World Geography class just minutes before the final bell would ring for spring break to begin. To this day, I can't bring myself to listen to that song. When the bell finally rang, we walked out of the classroom doors and I remember saying to have fun and that I would see you when you got back. We then walked our separate ways, unknowingly forever.

The day before we would return to school was 6 years ago. That first day back I somehow managed to go to school. I didn't really speak, I tried not to cry as teacher after teacher said the exact same thing and I absolutely couldn't look at that desk that you were supposed to be sitting in. Your locker was already filled with notes, pictures, and memories. The school that day just didn't feel right. Teachers and friends tried their best to comfort us, but I just didn't want to be there.

The part that I still nag myself to this day for, however, was not attending your funeral. I knew there would be hundreds of people there, but that isn't why I didn't go. I didn't go because I thought that I just wouldn't be able to see you there. I didn't want that moment to be my final memory of you. Do I regret not going? Every single time I think of it. I wish I would've gone. I wish I would've celebrated your life with all of those people. For that, I am so deeply sorry.

6 years ago the world lost a brave soul, a bright smile, and four others that I never got the chance to know as well as I knew you. 6 years ago, an entire community felt the same loss that I feel. We will always remember the little things; smiles, laughs, and even the days we were stuck in the classroom.

To the friend gone too soon, I hope everything is well with you. I hope that you know that you are constantly on my mind. I hope you are up there looking down on your family and smiling, because oh they miss you so.

Most importantly to the friend gone too soon, I pray that you are safe. I pray that you are happy. I pray that you are home.