"More than a stunning debut. It is the announcement of a bold new literary voice"
—Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Thank you for all the time and energy you spent on trying to make me as happy as possible. Thank you for all the times you would let me know how tough I was. Thank you for not letting me give up when I wanted to. Thank you for being another big sister to me. Thank you for holding me like a baby even when I was 10 years old. Thank you for showing what true love and dedication is. Thank you for allowing me to see what a full life you lived. Thank you for teaching me to show people I care and to stay strong for others when they needed it. Thank you for being selfless. Thank you for protecting me and being there for me when I needed it. Thank you for wiping my tears when I split the beam. Thank you for showing me beautiful music and how to dance to it. Thank you for being the best human you could be. Thank you for loving me when I didn’t know what true love was.

I’m sorry you got into that car. I’m sorry your life got cut too short. I’m sorry that I had to hear the words “Rachel would yell at you for crying.” I’m sorry that you didn’t get to have a senior year. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when I should’ve been. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you graduate. I’m sorry I didn’t stay for the actual funeral. I’m sorry you and your mom fought. I’m sorry I quit. I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough. I’m sorry I got mad at you sometimes. I’m sorry the whole gym had to deal with you not being there. I’m sorry I didn’t keep going. I’m sorry that I loved you so much. I’m sorry I don’t think about you every day, or even once a week. I’m sorry I have forgotten. I’m sorry I didn’t follow the rules. I’m sorry you had to deal with all these kids around you. I’m sorry I fell off. I’m sorry I didn’t hold on as you taught me to.