To the person who left too soon,

Growing up we are always taught that life is precious and that we need to cherish every minute we have. But I don't think anyone ever understood what this really meant. We seemed invincible, believed that nothing could touch us and that nothing could hurt us. We thought that life was long and that we had plenty of time to do whatever we want.

Until the day that changed that all. I remember getting a text saying that you were dead. I couldn't believe it, it all seemed like some sort of sick nightmare that I would wake up from. There was no way that this could have happened, no way it could have been true.

But as the hours past and the day came to a close, it finally sunk in that this in fact was real life. No one knew what to think or how to feel. We were devastated, confused, angry. How could someone so amazing and special to a community be taken so soon? How is it fair that such a good person was ripped from us at such a young age? How could a world full of bad people take an angel away from us?

We were angry at the world for doing something so cruel to someone so young and we were upset that we wouldn't have one more day to see your smile, hear your kind words, or see your hard work on the court. It made no sense.

A year later, and the whole community is still heartbroken that you're not here with us. There isn't a day that goes by that you aren't loved and that your presence isn't missed. No matter how long you're gone, you'll always be with us, in our hearts. Nobody could ever forget who you are and what you meant to our community. You touched the lives of every single person and I promise you will always be remembered.

You gave us a new understanding of what we grew up learning; life really is short and every minute we have is a gift that could be taken away unexpectedly. We have to live every moment as if its our last, because you never know if it really will be. Be kind, work hard, and show your love every chance you get.

Thank you for being a beam of light in a dark world and thank you for giving us a reason to appreciate life.

With lots of love,

your classmates