Dear Gage,
I've been thinking about you a lot lately. This might be weird, since we weren't the best of friends or anything, but your passing has effected me more than I think most people know. Sometimes when I'm trying to sleep, all I can think about is last fall. I think what scares me the most is when I think about how, like I said before, we weren't super close, but I'm still struggling now. It makes me think about what would happen if someone I was closer to has the same thing happen to them. Maybe that sounds bad, but it's true. I'm not as strong as people think.
We had Districts last week, and was definitely the most exciting meet we've ever had. The guys came in second to Cosby, by just one point. It was literally down to the 4x4 to see who was going to snatch the trophy. The whole team was screaming their heads off the entire race, even when it looked like we didn't have a chance of coming in first. But Aaron came out of no where and almost passed Cosby, but that darn last turn kinda became an obstacle, and they missed it by one second. Even though we didn't come in first, everyone came running over, jumping around and hugging each other. Aaron's says he's embarrassed that he couldn't win it, but I don't think he really understands how amazing it was to watch. It wasn't about winning. Our team needed just that extra something to cheer for. Hell, we were more excited and happy than Cosby, who actually did win.
I wish you were here right now so that I could thank you for how you have brought this team together. Everyone is trying so hard to do their best to make the coaches, the team, and especially you, proud. You should hear Abbie before every relay, her new favorite pep talk phrase is, "Okay ladies, let's get out there, run fast, and do this for Gage!"
It's unfortunate, but kinda amazing how tragedy can bring people together so well. I just wish it didn't have to be that way.
I don't believe in a heaven, but if there is one, I hope you know that the people back here love and miss you very much.