Thank you, Izzy

After transferring from high school to high school, I was set on not making any more friends. I had been let down and hurt, and Archbishop Wood was my last hope- I thank God every day that it was. This is because it was there I finally made friendships that I knew instantly would last a lifetime, as well as an angel who will live with me forever. 

Coming to Wood as a sophomore, I knew nobody except Belle Starr, and it was her who introduced me to her best friend at Wood, Izzy. 

The moment I saw Izzy, I was taken aback by a beautiful, tall, dark haired girl whose smile un-dug mine out from the darkness it was hidden in. I thought to myself, “what kind of gorgeous girl would show a stranger like me a chance at friendship?” Every time I think about the first time I saw her, I think about her legs for some reason. They were long like a model and made her the perfect height to hug. She immediately took me in her wing and became my first friend at this new school of strangers.

She saw the best in me that others and even myself had pushed away for years, and I was in shock of how perfect of a woman and friend she was. She always smiled and hugged me in the halls between classes, and I was so happy to show off my friend to anyone. We purposely texted to meet and chat in the bathrooms between (or during) class, and jammed with Belle and me to our favorite songs in the car. I would give anything for another car ride of scream-singing those songs with you. 

When I heard that you passed, a piece of my heart went to heaven with you- as well as all of those who loved you. You were such a light in everyone’s life, and the day the music died was when you did. It was so hard to be completely upset though, as it was obvious you were at peace in heaven- as you deserve to be. 

I now often think about how admirably intelligent you were. And as I pursue my degree in Psychology, I hold you with me every step of the way as that was your goal as well; and God, would you have thrived. 

Every happy and sad day I have is for you, and I pray every day that I can be more happy than sad, as that is what you brought into this world. Every tear I shed in your name eventually makes me laugh because I know you are laughing at me from up above. 

Your smile in photos still haunts me because of how perfect it is, and I hope that I am making you as proud of me as I am of you. I can never thank you and your incredibly beautiful and strong family enough for what you have given me these past few years. You are all so amazing, and I am so endlessly thankful to of gotten the privilege of knowing the Shinn family more since you passed. You have given me a friendship that I will forever cherish, as well as your family who I will always reach out to. 

All lights turned off can be turned on, and you showed me that. For every dark moment I feel because of your absence, I gain the motivation to spread the word about you and your legacy. I am always going to say your beautiful name whenever I can, I love you forever my Isabella Maria. You were a hero on earth, and became an even bigger one in being an organ donor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me a second chance at friendship, as well as for the lives of those you saved. You are living through the ones who love you, as well as those who are lucky enough to carry living pieces of your legacy. May we all remember to stay humble and kind in your name. 

Until I can hug you again, Ava.