I remember the day your dad showed up to get you, you didn't want to leave, so I begged him to let you stay longer. He said he was always on the road and didn't have time to give you the attention that you needed, so that if my family and I took care of you, you could stay. I shook that mans hand with my tiny hand and gave him a hug. He had let my best frined stay with me for a little while longer.

We played that day like there was no end. I'd always hide, you'd seek. You were always better at that game than I was. I recall our first squirrel hunt together. Forget sneaking, you were always to impatient to sneak. The squirrel would be in the next county before I got there. You'd run, I'd always walk.

I grew up and due to family problems, I left and you stayed. I've thought about you a lot. How'd you'd always be happy to go on a truck ride. How you liked the air in your face, and the way you'd always say "hey" to everyone we passed. You were always an attention getter, and you loved receiving it. You could tell by the way your eyes lit up when someone walked up to talk to ya--or want to shake your hand.

I didn't get to see ya like I wanted to, and you know the reasons. I talked to you about them many nights. I just hope you understand. As always, you'd sit there and listen with no comment. You didn't have much to say, but I could tell you cared. You'd always be there. For that, thank you.

I'm now 25, and it's been 12 years ago that we met, and now it's time to say goodbye. You've been a good friend Beasley...the best one any kid could ask for and more. When I wanted to play, you played. When I wanted to talk, you'd listen. When I didn't want to play, you played. You always brought a smile to my face. I love you for that.

God called you home today, be as good to him as you have me, girl. I'll see ya when I get there...