A letter to my classmates the day before graduation
6:57 PM
To the kids I have known for almost my entire life, and with whom I am graduating tomorrow,
I wanted to tell you how much I truly treasure all of you. You will forever be ingrained in my heart as the friends of my childhood. There are too many sappy stories, inside jokes, sweet things to say to you all so I tried to condense it down to a few sentences each:)
Matt: I was sitting in history day practice one day and I suddenly remembered a story from years ago. We were sitting with our moms on the hill where your house now stands. With their legs crossed, our moms began to talk and you and I played tag. Eventually I fell down and scuffed myself up and as any little girl does, I started crying and ran over to my mom. Snuggled down in her arms, I looked up to see you standing there with a flower in your hand. I think that story is so fitting for you because while we haven’t always been best friends, you have literally always been there for me in the roughest days. I know you will always be there for me, even if we are halfway across the world from each other. The love I have for you is the same type of love I have for my brother, so when I genuinely mean it when I say I see you like my brother.
Ty: I really appreciate our genuine conversations even though we don't always (and often don't) agree. You are so thoughtful, genuinely kind, and truly devoted to Christ. I know you are striving to glorify God and you have a precious heart.
Lincoln: It has been so cool to see you blossom this semester. I am so excited to see what God is doing in your life this next year and so excited to skype you and talk about how everything is going. Even though we will be 2,500 miles away, it's comforting to know that someone from home is on the same side of the world as me. You have a heart of gold and God is at work within you.
Rachel: Never have I loved someone so different from me so much. "There’s a little bit of sunshine in all you do." We are complete opposites, but our souls are cut out of the same cloth. "Whatever souls are made of, [yours] and mine are the same." I will forever remember you as the girl who taught me what joy was, for teaching me how to express my creativity, for constantly encouraging me in dance and in everything I did. You helped me see myself as God sees me, and that is one of the most precious gifts I have ever received.
Tina: First of all, I’m so glad we are still friends because I started calling you Tina even though you hated it. You are a gem. You are more precious than jewels. You have loved me through tears and listened to me during rants. You help me to see the world as it really is instead of what it seems like. You are going to make the best counselor and mother and everything. God’s hand is upon your life and I love who He made you to be. Tina, I’m your girl. I know that when I’m in Turkey, I’m going to be in Missouri because you have a piece of my heart.
Tori: I truly believe you can do anything you want to and succeed. Never have I met someone so talented, God has truly blessed you. You march to the beat of your own drum, and I love that about you. You are so unique and beautiful and whatever you do, it's going to be awesome. I can’t wait to see where you end up.
Allie: You probably have more embarrassing stories and pictures of me than even my mom does. You loved me through our Jr.High years, which looking back now was quite a feat. You have a beautiful spirit and make people feel comfortable as soon as you start talking to them. I love our stories together and I will forever remember you as one of my best friends.
Anna: You are truly my "womb-friend." There’s a special bond between us just because we have been through everything together: bangs, frizzy hair, glasses, berets, newsboy caps. Endless summer days at the pool, Disneyland, camping on the beach, church, school, pottery class: everything. I have a feeling that our friendship isn’t going to stop after May. We have a forever friendship. You can make me feel loved by telling me, “You’re trash.” You can make me laugh on the worst of mornings. I know I’ll be voting for you someday, I know we will still be playing cards and sassing each other at 80. You truly are my forever friend, and I will love you forever.
As for the rest of my sentimental thoughts, you are going to have to wait until tomorrow to hear those. They say, "Friends are your chosen family." Fam, I am so happy that we went on this journey together, and I can't wait to see where we go.
xoxo,
Livi
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