Reference Group There is a reason I didn�t call this page the friends page.  You see, friends are people you go catch a beer with, friends are people similar enough to find the same things funny, someone to call to go out with.  Friends mean a lot, and I�m going to add them on too, because I need my friends too. But the people on this page, every one of you, has played your part in shaping my life in a major way. You are more than friends, you are my reference group, you create the standards I hold myself up to.  I respect you all for who you are and the unique qualities you possess.  You�ve all done more than you�ll ever know, and no matter how far way you are or will be, that is never going to fade.  Hold the memories close, and I *will* see you all soon.

Amy.  Sister of mine, I don�t think you realize how precious you are to me.  And I don�t think I�d have ever thought I�d admit that a few years ago.  For being such a brat, you really are hilarious amounts of fun.  I know your life is just now starting to change, and I know things are going to get even crazier, but no matter what, we will go have an Irish Pub night (and better than the Dublin one)!  Cheers, sis!

Christian.  We traveled Europe together, I saw things I never thought I would, and you showed me more about myself and people in general than I thought possible.  You gave me faith in myself, myself not perfect, but myself with all my flaws. You helped me open my mind and forget some of life's nastiness.  Just by letting me be, by being there even though I was at my worst, you did me so much good.  There are few truly good people in this world, and you are one of them.  Change always babe, but don�t lose that.

 Cory.  Of all, I think our relationship has covered the most facets.  From the love to the hate, from prom in Humboldt to phone calls from Saudi, its been quite the spread.  I know a lot of things never got dealt with, and that for a long time I was not grown up enough for you.  And I know that after months of not seeing you, I can call and you�ll still make me laugh for hours.  And in the end, that truly is all that matters. 

Dad.  You are easily the single most influential person in my life.  And you always will be.  I know how hard it was for you to leave me in my dorm room the first day of college, how hard it was to watch me fly away on that plane to Europe.  But Dad, you don�t have to let me go.  Always and forever I�m going to be your baby girl.  No matter how much I grow up, even if I ride BMWs & vote liberal, what you think is always going to be one of the most important things in the world to me, and you are always going to be the best influence in my life.

Daniel.  God, babe. You don't do things half heartedly do you?  I mean, I know your personal agenda is to rid the world of Republicans, but couldn�t you have left at least some of my beliefs sacred? (I guess you weren't the one voting for BMW's.... just less pollution) *smiles* Nah, of all the times I�ve been �messed up�  I have to say it was the most fun with you.  You win the award for the most unanticipated relationship I've ever been in... and the one that has involved the most discount flights!  And the longest time spent shopping for underwear... and the most miserable night without air-conditioning....

Kevin.  I�ll never be able to write all the million emotions that I have tied up in you. You were my first love and always will be.  It was real babe. It hurt, I loved it, I loved you.  I�m still healing, and I don�t know where I�ll go, but no matter where we go or who we end up with, I know I�ll know all of your kid�s nick names.  I don�t know what is the best anymore, I don�t know anything babe, but I do know, you will always be special to me.

Stella.  You know, I have no idea why we decided to start liking each other.  I don�t know if it was CCA or boys or what.  I can�t remember that one moment when we became friends, but there are a million memories that I can remember.  Hell babe, you�ve got your own poem on this webpage.  I know you are off to Japan, but that isn�t going to make anything change.  I am so happy for you.  You inspire me, because you have always done what you want, what makes you happy.  You didn�t fall into the stock pattern of what traditional kids do.  You went out and did what you felt.  And now you have an amazing man in your life, and are getting ready to see the world.  Hun, raise that baby of yours to be just as awesome as you are, and you�ll have one hell of a kid. 

I said I respected all of you for unique reasons, but do you know what everyone on the page has in common?  I have cried until it wasn�t pretty anymore with every last one of you. I cried as I wrote these captions, and I�ll cry once again before it is over.  I can cry with you because no matter how many nights I spend in tears, they will never outnumber the amount of good times I�ve had with each and every one of you.