In 9th grade I was looking through old pictures, and came across my nursery school class picture--and recognized a face. I remember going, "hey that kid goes to my school now!" Sure enough, it was TC.. I became friends with him towards the end of 9th grade. He was just one of those people that could sit down next to anyone and have a conversation with them--and make them smile.

We were never close, but we had a "special" friendship--he LOVED teasing me about the Knicks! He signed my sweet 16 book starting with "knicks suck! just kidding..." But his favorite was "Go NY Go NY.... NO!" and standing up next to me and going "wow you're short!" then i'd punch him or something and he'd make a puppy-dog face like i'd actually hurt him! TC had the kind of humor that made me roll my eyes and start laughing at the same time. I'll miss his baby blues and his smile that could make the world feel better.

These past few days we've all learned that we could be here today, gone tomorrow, that life is short and we shouldn't take it for granted. Most of all, I've learned that I need to tell those people I care about how much I do. For some reason, last week at school before the accident.. something forced me to go out of my way to see TC and say hi and talk to him as often as possible. Something I can't explain, but it happened and I'm greatful my last memories of TC are ones of laughter. Everyone, please be strong, but don't be afraid to show your emotions. It's the best form of healing.

*and i have the sense to recognize that i don't know how to let you go, every moment marked with apparitions of your soul, i'm ever swifly moving trying to escape this desire .. the yearning to be near you, i do what i have to do...* Sarah McLachlan

*The Class of 2001 may graduate one body less, but TC, you will always be in our hearts*

Pam Sackoor