I wrote this yesterday, but I have no internet at my house.

Today it’s been a year since I’ve talked to you and heard you speak to me. I was about to leave for the DR on my mission’s trip and I called mom to say goodbye. I wanted to say bye to you too. You had been pretty sick for a week or so, so you couldn’t talk very well. But I heard you still. The last thing you ever said to me was, “I love you sweetie.” You mumbled it but I heard you. Mom got back on the phone and asked if I heard you and I said I had. I told mom to make sure you knew I heard you and that I loved you so much too. Then I went off to the DR. That was the last time you ever spoke to me. The next time I saw you, you were in the hospital and barely conscious. But I know you heard me and I told you how much I love you and that I knew you loved me too. I still know that you love me. And I love you too. 

I love you Jake

Jake,

I know you check my blog all the time so I want to tell you and anyone else who reads this how much I love you. I have never in my life had a better friend than you. I've never felt so loved and cherished, and it's every single day. Losing my dad has shaken my world up, maybe even more lately. You have shown me the love of Christ like no one else. You've stayed up late, drove long ways, bought me dinner, sat patiently by me side, texted me back, listened and talked, and just loved me throughout this year. I needed a friend, and Jesus gave me such a good one. All I can say is, I love you. You are the most honorable person I know and not because you are perfect. You know what a sinner you are, and you know you desperately need Jesus. You live out your faith everyday in so many ways, but so deeply in the way you have loved me this year. I've seen your sacrifice and dedication. I loved you before babe, but God makes you so much more attractive. 

I never could have imagined God would work out such an incredible love story like he has. Who knew 6 years later we would be "completely different but exactly the same" and even more in love than the first round. We owe it all to Jesus who never gives up on us even though we never seemed to get it right, and we still don't know what the heck we're doing. 

Thanks for being my friend.