Broken Pencils

  Dear Past Alysyn, Hi, it’s been a while since I thought of you. I know it’s been rough more recently looking for Lilly, and I know that little dummy would have found you soon if she knew where to look. I know that you miss her and I know that she does too. She was always your favorite animal and you were always her favorite person. I know you hated when she used to eat your hair, but I also know you hate it now that she's not here to annoy you. I know that you miss all of her weird things. I also know that if she and Wilber met, they would get along perfectly. I miss watching her run into walls after living there for years. I miss watching her and Roo start fighting over nothing. I know you miss her constant wailing, and it may make you feel better that Wilber does the same. I know it was really hard to get over her, and I also know that letting her run wasn't fair to me or us. I also know that it was really hard to get over her, and I may still not be over it. I know it'...

  Everyone has a different definition of a “good” day. Some people think a good day is laying around the house and others believe hanging out with friends makes it better. No matter the definition everyone can agree that kind words can make their day just a little bit better. Encouraging others can often make you feel more motivated as well. I personally believe that making other people shine increases how good a day is.  My personal philosophy is to make everyday brighter by making others shine. I’m a firm believer that I practice what I preach. So if I spend everyday being a grouch and projecting that on others then I’m just going to make my day worse. Instead of that I try to go about my day with as much whimsy as possible. Choosing to complement others and reach out a helping hand inadvertently makes my day a little better each action at a time. Knowing that my actions are bettering someone else makes me happy. 

  Dear 3rd grade Erin, I know that you’re going through a very tough time. Your parents are getting divorced and people are still bullying you. The people are saying mean things about your weight and your glasses. Your dad is still drinking quite a bit, and your cat recently passed away. I know that you feel like you can’t talk to anyone about your problems.  Your life gets a little better. Your parents still aren’t civil. They argue every time they talk, but you don’t have to deal with it as much. You learned that just because your parents don’t get along you don’t have to let yourself drown in their sorrow.  People still talk about you, but you’ve learned that other people’s opinions on you don’t define you. You have become a lot more confident because you realized others don’t define your worth. You have some of the best friends and the best boyfriend. They never let you go a day without telling you how much they appreciate you. Mom got us a new cat and she just ha...

  Killian Who is helpful, friendly, and brown. Who is the son of Eric Hutchcraft.  Who loves basketball, track, friends.  Who feels determined, confident, happy.  Who needs food, sleep, basketball.  Who gives advice and help. Who fears spiders, roller coasters, getting injured.  Who would like to see the world, friends succeed, himself succeed. Who shares laughter, jokes, and good vibes. Who is a good person, a track 2x mvp, and an athlete.  Who is a resident of Grayville.   Killian

  Ava Who is cringe Who is the daughter of Melissa and Kyle Who loves art,doing hair,singing Who feels tired, sore, bored Who needs sleep, food, Starbucks Who fears heights, being trapped, losing loved ones Who would like to see many cities, northern lights, through a telescope,Who shares laughs, hugs, and advice.  Who is a sister, daughter, friend Who is a resident of Illinois

LouEllen  Worked to the bone until the day she died.  This world will miss her careless humor.  Her happy presents,  and most of all her wise words.  The pain many of her fellow family member s felt was too great for this world.  Many sat and cried.  While others just decided to die.  She will forever be praised for her efforts.  But we will forever be engraved with the thought of all her leforts.