Man, I don't even know where to start.
I know I said I was prone to crying at State finals, and I'm probably the biggest baby of all time. I didn't let you see me cry, because I'm supposed to be the mean, tough one and I couldn't ruin that illusion. I cried on the way back to the school though. And then I stopped doing that because I'm an adult and not a baby.
And then the day after Finals I cried. Like all day. And I had no idea why I was so sad and I just figured I was dying or something because this was consistent crying and Matt kept asking what was wrong and I'd cry harder and harder and yell "I DON'T KNOW!" which was super frustrating because I hate crying for no reason and it's stupid and FINALLY
it hit me.
"What are we going to do without them?..." I asked in a quiet moment with fewer tears.
Matt is sweet and kind, like you all know, and supportive and hates to see people sad. So he tried to give me the best answer he could think of. "Oh, well have more adventures and have our own kids!"
And then sobbing commenced again.
"BUT I WANT THOSE ONES!"
Two things to take away from that. One: If any of your parents decide they no longer want you, we have an extra bedroom and we can adopt all of you. We'll make it work. and Two: I can't even begin to imagine what life will be like without spending it with you guys.
Drumline is one of the most time consuming, difficult, stressful, wonderful, rewarding, incredible activities I have ever been a part of. I know we didn't win the competition, but man, you guys are all winners to me. I know that sounds cheesy. I know that's what the coach says as he hands out the participation medals. But to watch a group of totally unique, psychotic individuals come together and produce something as amazing as you did - that's where the real victory is. Seeing the way you've all grown and become more confident in your abilities over the last 2 years, 1 year, 6 months - however long we've been blessed to be a part of your lives - that's the most rewarding feeling. I hope you're proud of yourselves, because I sure am. It was never about winning. It was always about you. And if you guys could walk off the floor feeling like you did the absolute best you could, then that was enough.
What you gave us was more than enough.
Matt and I have been through a lot over the past two years. And it would not have been the same without you. You've taught us so much and you've made so many memories with us that we will cherish forever. Or until I get dementia, because that runs in the family.
I wish I could tell you how grateful I am for all of you, (and your incredible, supportive, life-saving parents) and actually do my feelings justice. I hope we could teach you something in the two years Matt was your Drumline instructor, or at least make you realize that there isn't a single thing you can't achieve if you really work for it. I hope you'll always push for greatness, and never settle for mediocrity with anything in life, because you're better than that. I also hope you find someone else to make Lord of the Rings references with you, because that was my major contribution to this program, and I'd hate to see you go without that.
So-
Eli, Lars, Tyler (Kronk), Ethan Heiner, Jake, Jackson/Chandler, Page, Taylor, Tyler (pocket-size), Logan, Harrison, Maren, Matt (Ducky), Smith, Ben, Ethan Merenda (I'll pretend I spelled that right), Ace, JD, Kaleb, Rachel, Aiden, Marley, Garrett, Rachel, and Gabe,
Oh, and Brittney, Braxton, Luis, Matt Cleverly, Savannah, the Garrett from Ben Lomond, and of course, big thanks to Emily!...
Thank you. So much. I don't know how else to say it. You have changed our lives for the better, and we really can't even begin to figure out what we'll do without you. But thank goodness this doesn't have to be goodbye unless you're all real tired of us and just want to be left alone. We'll be around, though. And then, in 10 years, we'll look back at our time with Ogden High School's Drumline and think,
"Man. That was nostalgic."
and y'all better keep in touch or else I'll come after you.
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