MARGARET

Our friendship was based more on our boy's friendship than anything we had in common. Still, it was nice to have adult conversation at times and to be able to call on each other to watch each other's kids. A friend for that specific stage of my life.

31/365

MR. ROY

What a crush I had on you. In my 4th grade mind, you were so handsome and perfect. I loved going to school each day. And I loved your "find the city" game we played on the big map. I cheated and looked them up in the dictionary.

30/365

MARILYN

We were in a strange land. By sharing your love for the land, history, and traditions of Alaska, you made us feel welcomed and interested in the area of Homer. Your small lakefront cabin became our home for the week and we enjoyed every sunlit night in it.

29/365

OSCAR

You, my young friend, are a one of a kind. The kid who could cause so much trouble and yet one that we as leaders couldn't help but love. A natural born leader, you oozed self confidence and charm. I will never forget you or your numerous shenanigans.

28/365

CAMRON

Your phone call changed the course of our ministry. Your heart for God and others was the example we wished to follow. Your constant encouragement and support helped to keep us going. Your smile is what I look forward to each Sunday. Your love for NASCAR is unmatched.

27/365

JANAE

I loved going to your volleyball and hockey games. You were so good at both. I always admired your self-confidence, even temperament, spiritual maturity, and how well you always got along with both boys and girls alike. Why didn't you and Jake ever get together? His loss.

26/365

AUDREY

Bad girl turns good girl. Not that you were all that bad. You could write a book on your life experiences. I have many memories of two high school girls hanging out with a bunch of guys. Who else would I ask to be my maid of honor?

25/365

VINCE

Your house was the hang-out... where we all congregated... when we really should have been at school. We were quite the group. Lots of great memories. One is doing homework at Denny's at 5:00 in the morning because you weren't going to graduate without it being done.

24/365

SKY

I would not have recognized you tonight. A lot has changed in four years - at least your outward appearance. But I felt the familiar from the inside. You've been through a lot. I pray that you have hope amid your crazy life. I pray you feel God's love.

23/365

STEVE

Our partner in crime. Our fellow youth worker. For a long time, it was just the three of us. Us and a whole bunch of middle school students. We loved it! It was great knowing you had the same passion as us. It was all about the kids.

22/365

SAM

You spent nearly every Saturday for more than a year in my basement. The thump of your bass reverberating through the walls. You are a gifted musician and writer. Your deep thinking makes me think and reflect. I admire your honesty and attitude. Your escapades make me chuckle.

21/365

LORI

You never shaved your legs. You were a blond surfer chick - with hairy legs. But you weren't a freak show. More like a novelty. And I enjoyed our friendship. At the 10 year reunion, you were a mom and nurse. I wish we would have kept in touch.

20/365

LEE

As you came out of the stall in the women's restroom, you announced to me that you were a boy. I questioned you but you were adamant. Your mom made you use the girl's bathroom, you said. I was unsure. I will always wonder who you really were.

19/365

JESSE

Sept. 5, 1906 - Feb. 26, 1996

I have a hanger that hangs in my closet that bears your name. I keep it there to be reminded of special times, of a grandpa who loved his grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them, of a man who was a wonderful role model for his family.

18/365

LADY IN THE VAN

I don't know your name, but I know your face and the van you drive. I also know that you were once raped, years ago. I don't know why, but I see you everywhere. Why? I will never know but I say a prayer for you each time.

17/365

[longer post can be found here]

JANE

We walked through the doors and there you were, welcoming us to your church. It became our church. You were always so kind; whether it was inviting us over for Sunday dinner or giving me hand-me-down clothes from your boys. I have often thought of you.

16/365

PAT

We were co-workers. The work load was made lighter by the laughter we all shared. You opened my eyes to the life of a gay man. Your sexual orientation didn't change the fact that you lived a pretty normal life. Therefore, you opened my mind and heart, too.

15/365

MAX

Trips to Oklahoma wouldn't be complete without a trip to your home. You were family even though you weren't really my family. It was a pleasure to know you, visit you, and know of the special bond between you and Lee. One of the many cousins in Carmen.

14/365