Colten didn't really know it and neither did anyone else, but I hated school, I was new to basehor our 8th grade year and I didn't have alot of friends but, I would hang out with everyone and try to fit in,I came from a christian school so it was hard on me. But I started making new friends and as we got into highschool I had a hard time making more friends and focusing on class and trying to pass because I have ADHD and its just hard for me to learn. I had alot of classes with colten and his friends. I wasn't really popular but I knew almost everyone and tried to be friends with everyone. Colten and his friends made class fun, they would act goofy and make me laugh and make me feel better just because they would make jokes or do funny things. Nobody knew it except for my close friends, that I was depressed and having a really hard time in school, I would harm myself and try to act like everything would be okay and suicide was on my mind alot,it was that bad. I was in counseling and nothing helped me and I tried to get better on my own, and I did a little, with the help of colten and his friends.And I wish I could thank colten and his friends for making school easier for me but, I dropped out our senior year in November due to not having a ride back and forth to school and not having dependable people in my life at the time. But sometimes I'm glad I dropped out because I now have a sweet baby boy named Kenneth who is 8 months almost 9 months old and he is my world he gives me a reason to wake up everyday and carry on with my life. Yes I had a baby at 18 but I don't let that stop me from doing what I love and that's being a mom and a soon to be wife. I would like to get my ged and that's going to be hard now that I have a little boy but I'm going to do it, not just for me, but for my son and soon to be husband and colten and the friends that made school easier for me, that made me laugh when I didn't think it was possible, that helped me get through school. I'm going to miss colten even though we weren't really close, but he made an impact in my life and that's all that matters to me, he didn't know that he made an impact but he did and I thank him for it.

A Child Of Mine

By Edgar Guest

I will lend you, for a little time,
A child of mine, He said.
For you to love the while he lives,
And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-two or three.
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his stay be brief.
You'll have his lovely memories,
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there,
I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over,
In search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labour vain.
Nor hate me when I come
To take him home again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!'
For all the joys Thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.

My condolences to your family. I know this is a difficult time and I wanted to share some comforting words from the Bible. At Psalm 34:18, the Bible assures us that God is near to those that are broken at heart. So knowing that the God of all comfort ( 2 Corinthians 1:3,4) is always ready to hear our prayers and provide his Holy Spirit to give us power beyond what is normal to get through each day is very encouraging. I hope these scriptures along with memories of your loved one help to ease your sorrow in the days to come.

Gina and Jeff- We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.