Dear Michael,

It’s been more than two years since you and your sisters died. But don’t think for a second that you’ve been forgotten. I still think about you all the time. Sometimes I think I loved you more than your sisters, but then that doesn’t seem fair and I feel horribly guilty. All three of you were such incredible people. For some reason, though, whenever I think of you everything seems like it’s going to be okay. You gave unconditional love to so many people at school as well as in the rest of the community, and in my opinion that means your life was well lived. You’re remembered well, and even though you only lived to the 9th grade, rest assured that you affected more people than you can possibly comprehend.

There are still so many moments where all I want is a Michael hug, because that would make me feel so much less alone. But I know that you’d be so disappointed in who I am now… and for that, I’m sorry. I’ve lost myself, Michael, and I wish you were here to help remind me.

Aaron is in good hands, by the way. You two were like brothers, and I just want to make sure he’s okay. Maybe that will make up for how bad of a person I’ve become. You’d be so proud of him. Really, he’s the best. He, for one, is not letting you down.

I love you. You’ll always be not only in my heart, but in the heart of everyone who was blessed enough to know you. You and your sisters are missed. But in a way, your passing made everyone stronger. They say that only the good die young, and you all were the greatest. Maybe if I’m able to join you in heaven, one day, we can catch up. Until then, I’m going to try to make you proud.

Love,

Emily, Age 18