To all of you, old and new, I love you. I've lost one this summer, and I cannot bear the thought of losing another. I said my goodbyes, Kevin, but you are still with me. I missed my opportunity to tell you "I love you," and as the Mayor said, I will not miss that opportunity with the rest of my friends. You have taught me this, along with much, much more.
This summer has reminded me of something I forgot. Amongst my first year of college, and all the awesome new friends I made, I forgot something about my old friends. I forgot how special those relationships are, and, not to belittle those I share with my new friends, how irreplaceable and important they are. I have a bond with these people, and the bond I have with those from high school came at a cost. Multiple tragedies brought us this close, so as much as I value the new friendships I'm forming, I apologize, but I never want to pay that price again.
As I said, I had forgotten. I was so ready to move on to a new chapter and had allowed the past to grow out of focus, but I have been reminded how absolutely essential they all are to my very being. Instead, I move forward with both the old and the new. To Will, Megan, Rachel, Ryan, Adam, (not to forget my friends from church Quintin, Erik, and the rest, and my very best friend for life, Leon), and Kevin as he now truly lives in the presence and glory of God, I love you. To Ken, David, Kris, Josh, Andrea, Mitch, Heidi, Sarah Ann, and all the rest, I love you as well. Onwards.
