One Year Later

I have the best friends in the world. If someone were to ask me who in my life has inspired me or had the most impact, my friends would be tied with my family. They aren't just people I talk to when I need to make plans. They've laughed with me, cried with me, and grown with me. They've always been there and nights like tonight when we can catch up like no time has passed make me appreciate them more than anything.

As I sit here and reminisce about the good old days, I can't help but think about the friend that I can't sit with and laugh, talk, or cry. The friend that, until a year ago, was here to teach me about trees, walk around with dinosaur arms, and flaunt a purple headband. Until a year ago, I could text my friend with pictures of miniature animals or talk about how many different ways we could rearrange our dorm room.

The last year passed unbelievably quickly. It overwhelms me to go back and think about all the things that happened. Some people think that when someone dies, everyone just moves on. You pick yourself up and get over it. That's not at all true. You get up every day thankful God gave you another one, but guilty that you get it and she doesn't. You move through school anticipating graduation, but feel sad when you know she won't be out at The Point with you for a group picture. You drive to work praying you make it safely, then wonder why you're still here when she's not. You make people think that you're okay with a smile and cheerful demeanor, but somehow your thoughts always fall back to the same topic.

Jennifer was one of my best friends. I enjoyed every moment we spent together including impromptu weekend trips to Tennessee, Taco Bell runs, personal talks, and Spring Break 2014 in Savannah, Georgia. I'm so blessed to have these memories and blessed even more so to have been part of her life up until the end. I got to watch her grow from the shy freshman to an absolutely hilarious and open person. Every day I think about her and my heart aches for her loving mother, father, and brother; the three people she absolutely adored. 

Jennifer changed my life, much like every single one of my friends. I'm always thankful for the ones that are still here and blessed to have had Jennifer in my life for the time I did. Always be grateful for what you have and the opportunities you've been given. Thank God for every single day and pray every night for peace and safety among your loved ones and those they encounter. You never know if today is your last, so appreciate every day and smile always.

Jennifer Marie Lundergan

June 9, 1993- August 4, 2014