A Friendly Tribute

Today as I sat at my friends farewell and realized how few friends I have at home still, it occurred to me how blessed I am. I have so many friends who have helped me along the way, and I want you all to know how much I appreciate you.

Here is a thank you to the greatest people I know, and the biggest influences on my life:

Go ahead and scroll to your name. Did I forget you? A million apologies. Let me know asap.


My Family:
Of course you guys are first!

Mom, you are my best friend. I know in my teenage years we didn't get along that well, but I promise everything is starting to click. As I am slowly pushing my way out into the real world the light bulb that says, "Mom was right!" is always clicking on. Can you believe I am almost 20!? Yea, I can't either. But thank you for your friendship, your advice on boys, your tears we have shared, and everything else. I can't believe how hard you work. I hope I can be a mom like you someday. Also the fact that we work together makes everything easier. I love how you are only a few desks away when I am having a problem... or I am bored... or I want to complain...

Dad, I have always been a Daddy's girl--and I always will be. I love how we are so much alike and we can go hang out somewhere like we are friends. Thanks for listening to my endless complaints about boys and how stupid they are. And thank you for putting up with all the estrogen (although you know you love it!). Although I am all big now, I will always be your little girl--the one you can turn to for laughs and parental advice (which I love when you do that).

Alishia, I know we have our ups and downs, but in spite of that all I love the bond we have. I think our problem is we are more alike than we realize, but we let our few opposites grind at each other. But I love you, and I love all the secrets we share and the good times we have. I know when we are older with our own families we will be calling each other up to talk, and I can't wait for that day. (Well I can... you know what I mean)

Rebecca, you are having a hard time right now, and I want you to listen (or really intently read) what I am going to tell you. I know what you are going through. While my problems never reached as far as you, they were pretty dang close. There are a few things I have learned throughout the years. Girls are beochs. Boys are idiots. Kids are cruel. But when you grow up and you get into college, those people will not matter. What matters is you, the amazing, bubbly person you are, and those who love you. I was called pizza-face once; I know how bad it hurts. Trust me when I tell you they don't matter. I am always here for you, as is our Savior. I love you, He loves you, the whole family loves you, and that is all you need to be truly happy in life.

Bethany, I love you. When I get home from work and you run out to my car to greet me, it makes me so happy inside. Don't ever think you don't belong in our family. I can only imagine how hard it is to grow up in an adult world--but our family wouldn't be the same without you. You bring everyone so much joy and happiness. You are beautiful. I love to watch you, you remind me so much of myself. I love our dates, our sleepovers, our play times, our cuddle times... you make me so happy. Never forget that.


Now on to the friends...


Jeremy
I don't know where I would be without your friendship. You have always been there for me--whether I was crying, mad and throwing things around, frustrated and practically tearing my hair out, or being my weird nerdy self. I am so thankful for that. I don't deserve someone as amazing as you, but I am so glad you are by my side. Thank you for everything. I can truly say I have never felt so happy and loved when around you. We are a match made in heaven, and I love you. Thanks for telling me I am beautiful when you saw me that one day during FCCLA. You know... when you woke up and I had bad morning breath, mascara under my eyes, hair everywhere... I never forgot that day. That was the day I saw you differently--that day I started to love you. Keep going strong, you are an amazing missionary. I am right here beside you. Only a little time left!!


Pam
Man girl, we are too cool for words. I know in high school we went through our stupid drama crap--but the point is that now we look back and can't remember what the heck we were fighting about! I love how we can laugh about that. Thank you for being there for me, especially when I am having one of my little freak-out moments. Thanks for staying home and knitting with me on the weekends, and being my temp boyfriend while Jeremy is gone. Also thank you for yelling at me when I don't go to school, and helping me with last minute speeches I don't remember about. I know I can count on you to take care of me.


Paul
My little English boy, what would I do without you!? You have always been there for me throughout the years (like... 5 now!). Isn't it crazy we have never met, but we have been the best of friends via letters and the internet for so long? There has to be a reason we met, and I think it's because we both needed to know we have that extra support an ocean away.


Tyler Rains
Oh boy... where to start!? Well, I wouldn't have passed photo class in high school without you. I wouldn't have anyone to complain to. And I certainly wouldn't have crazy nights full of poisonous popcorn dumped on my head, or nights of eating little octopuses (eww...), and definitely wouldn't have someone to fill up my tires when they only have 5 pounds of pressure in them (and I am too dumb to realize). Basically, what would I do without you!? You are the best. Thanks for everything, dude. I will be sure to remind you not to be an ASStrovan parent one day--and I am still counting on this trip we are planning.


Luary
I mean it when I say I am hiring you as a cook when I am married. You are amazing. I can always count on you to make me feel better, and I know I always have you to go shopping with. Can you believe we aren't in 2nd grade anymore!? Everyday we are getting older, fatter, and lazier. But I wouldn't want to get old, fat and lazy with anyone else!


Kyle
Do you remember back in middle school when we would make all those stupid videos, or lounge on my couch all day and eat food? Yup, still love doing that with you. Without you I wouldn't have kinky moments, and I would never get a massage. I am sorry for not listening to your advice about a certain boy in high school. I see my mistake now, and I will be sure to never make it again. Thank you for always being there best friend.


Owen
My favorite memory is when we had crushes on each other when we were juniors, but you were too scared to do anything about it. Oh man... young love! Thank you for all you do. You are just too cute, and I love you to death. You are such a lady killer, Blue Eyes. And boney... you just wait, we will fatten you up! ;] Don't ever change, you are amazing. You always have a good attitude and I have always loved that about you.


Brixton
You make me laugh. The end. You are such a pimp, and I love it. My life wouldn't be complete without you. We fell out for a bit in high school, and although I have never really understood what happened, I am so glad we are chill again now. I realize now how immature we were in high school... aren't you so glad that blasted place is over with in our lives!? You are meant to be here to do great things, and I can't wait to watch you do them.


Cody
My cute little Cody! You are a junior now! I can't believe how much you are growing up! I just love you to death. You and your cute little butt, your cute coordinated clothes, and your cute perfect hair... you are such a pimp. And my advice to you Cody, WORK IT!! You own it kid! I am so glad you will still be here to play with me while all the other guys are gone on missions. I would die of boredom--literally--without you.


David Guzman
Yo, kid? How you doing gangsta? I would not have survived orchestra without you! I can't believe we have grown up together. Seems like yesterday we were nerdy little 3rd graders running around at recess. I will never forget you--and I will especially never forget you are the reason I stopped playing soccer. It's all good though; there just wasn't enough room on the field for both of us. We are just too cool like that.


Mr. Christopher Baldwin
You are too cool for words. I can't wait to get out to England and be your sober buddy! Thanks for being such a great friend. You are always there for me and you are always there to listen to my sorrows. I don't know what I would do without you--especially when I am bored at work and I need someone to talk to!


(Patience... more coming soon :])