when she says it like that...

"bex-- you have been through so much this year, and you have been strong the whole way through. i am proud of you. i also would like to say gracias for all the great times and laughs. (man! you really did help me through spanish.) i will cherish all of the serious talks we had about life and the funny talks about random stuff (green hernias and sore trouts)..."

"dear becky...remember going to tractor supply co. and gluing wire to baking sheets. well, we started ahead of time but that didn't help too much. we had fun with the power tools! it was hilarious when we tried to make the catapult with the shrub saw...i think you're such a sweet, caring, intelligent, and sincere person..."

"dear becky...i'm very lucky to have known you this year...we have suffered physics together and those memories are unforgettable. i admire you the most for your loving heart..."

"becky...while everyone made lots of noise about their involvements and achievements, you quietly went about your way being equally if not more succesful than others. at the same time, you might have thought that not many noticed -- but i did...you've had a quiet grace that has impressed me greatly. i have envied that trait of yours..."

"becky...you have never ceased to amaze me with your talent for writing...you have always been so considerate and sweet to me, and i'll never forget what a great friend you are..."

"becky, i've had a blast being co-captain with you. you're such a special person. i will miss talking to you about swim team things and just life in general..."

"becky...thank you very much for everything from coming to practice and making me laugh to making every practice pass by quickly..."

"becky...you are a wonderful writer... never lose your sweet, sincere personality..."

"becky -- the back of your head is very pretty..."

"becky...i have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you and will cherish your friendship always! you have been so helpful and served as a wonderful team captain. you were there to laugh at my stupid mistakes and also there to help me when i was crying..."

"becky (punk)...do not let anyone put you down because you are an extraordinary person..."

"becky, i've had a great time with you in spanish class this year. everytime mr. longoria would say something in spanish and we didn't know we would look at each other and be like, what did he say...i'll miss watching you fall asleep in class..."

"hey becky -- you are one of the sweetest people i have ever met. also one of the most christian. i respect you a lot and will miss your warm smile..."

"becky -- i've loved getting to know your sweet and considerate personality and i really admire your talent for writing..."

"becky...this is random but i remember how mrs. schultz would always make copies of your writing last year. hehe, i'd always think of stuff along the lines of 'wow, this girl is amazing!' i don't know if you plan to pursue writing in the future but i thought you were awesome..."

"becky -- i'm ready to graduate although i'll kind of miss watching you fall asleep every day in english..."

"becky: thank you so much for your leadership through a challenging swim year. you were my 'sounding board,' i knew if you said something, i should listen..."

"b-dawg...you know what's funny, we're going to sit next to each other at graduation (i hope). but what you need to do is punch denton in the back of the head..."

=====

who is that girl i once knew (or once was), and where is she now? was that ever me? sometimes i wonder... because looking back, these people who were my "friends" throughout four years of high school hardly even knew me at all.

i'd stand on a rooftop and scream at the top of my lungs if i were sure you'd hear my voice.

last & next