HAPPY D-DAYS!!!!!

Dakota Days is an exciting time of year for anybody who has ever gone to The University of South Dakota. There are things going on with the school like comedians, talent shows, fun runs, pep rallies, and of course the Dakota Days Parade and football game. Along with all of these very public things, there are some things that happen behind closed doors. I am talking about all of the parties that happen every night of the week. Here is a little something that I want people to here before you try getting home from those parties.

Dear Sam,

I miss you so much. It has been four years since you left us and I have to let you know some important things. For three and a half years I hated what you did. I hated you. You did something so stupid and reckless. I hated what you did to so many people. You hurt them with out even realizing it. Because of you, I hated myself for what happened to you. For three years, I have blamed myself for what happened. There was countless nights that I spent laying in bed thinking about what I could have done. I laid there mad at myself because I didn't talk to you because of so many reasons. If I would have talked to you maybe, you would have called and this all would have changed. I was 16. I could have driven you and stopped you from doing something beyond dumb. Because of you I took an oath to myself. I said, "If I ever go out and drink I will NEVER get behind the wheel of a car. I will NEVER allow any of my friends to get behind the wheel of a car if they have been drinking. I will ALWAYS be available to come to my friends and pick them up from the bars or a party." I miss you a lot. There are a lot of things that you would be really proud of and I know you are watching over all of us. Just remember to save me a Busch and we will sit down and talk about all of the things that you missed out on.

This isn't goodbye... It is just see you later, Homeboy.

Whether it is midnight, 2 a.m., or 4 a.m. I will always come to get a friend. I wrote this letter while I was in counseling for extra credit for a class. I was supposed to go for four sessions. I ended up going for the rest of the semester. This is a reminder for people everywhere that there are people who care about you and want to see you have a good time. They just don't want to see the good times end early. So as you are leaving the party please remember, driving home is not worth risking your life or somebody else's. So keep seeing your friends and stay away from seeing the Red and Blue.

And one more thing...

HAPPY D-DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!