I know I hadn't always been a great friend… I guess that is one of the things that you have to live with when someone you know dies. I tried, you tried, and we both failed each other at times... but I guess there's no changing that now. You touched a lot of people’s lives while you were here. I know I am low on the list of people that you should be checking up on, and I am okay with that. But please know that to even this insignificant speck on the grand canvas of your life, you are missed, and that is something pretty spectacular.
The truth is, sometimes I feel guilty for being sad that you are gone. I like to think that I can feel whatever I want whenever I want to, but the truth of the matter is that I know there are people who are hurt so much more than myself over all of this. I guess aside from missing your friendship, it hurts just as much to remember that life is so fragile. You were one of the strongest people I have ever known. How could someone so resilient be gone so soon? Thinking of you… today or any other day makes me wonder, “Who do I owe a text/hug/visit with?” “Who is going to leave us next?”
Today is? was? should have been? your 25th birthday. Hard to belive that you didn't make it to party with us down here. I guess the most comforting thing about today is that you might be having the most amazing celebration you've ever had up there... and I really hope that is true. You deserve that. But in the same sense, I can say that we deserve you just as much here on Earth. There are people down here who ache for you every single day. There is a whole town who mourns the loss of you continually. I know this small part of your life would love to have a beer with you today or any other day.
I hope you know how loved you were, are and forever will be. You are a Hometown Hero. You are magnificent and you are missed.
Rest Easy, Friend.