A Sky Without Stars

Acknowledgements

Well, here we are. We've made it. And that alone is something to be proud of.

I know I change these acknowledgements quite a bit, but...many things for me have changed. A lot of pain, a lot of suffering, many things I could talk about but won't. Maybe this time will be the last I update the acknowledgements. But probably not.

Honestly, though, I can't believe this book is over. The writing, admittedly, isn't my finest. I'm proud to say I've finished another book, though. At times, it was difficult to write. And I couldn't have made it through it all without some amazing people.

I refuse to thank my family at this point. Rude, I know, but let's just say that what you saw here is the sugar-coated version of the daily hell they all put me through. They might be related by blood to me, but truly, I see my friends as family now. And all of you guys on Wattpad...you guys are a family too.

I would like to take a brief moment to thank Mrs. Mary Beth Young, my second grade teacher, for getting me started on writing in the first place. I was so young when you first suggesting writing to me; you encouraged me to keep going and never stop. Even though you passed away years ago, you've been an influence on my life in more ways than you'll ever know. You're missed by all of us, but not forgotten.

Next, I would like to thank a few of my other past teachers for just being AWESOME. Mrs. Jenkins: you always ask about my writing, even now, 5 years after your class. It's so amazing to me that you remember, and that always want to hear more! Miss Klenotic: oh man, where to start. Thank you for watching me grow as an individual before AND after the start of high school. And definitely for always laughing at my extreme sarcasm. There's a method to your madness, that much is true. TK: thanks for helping me to love English again, and for constantly giving me a reason to laugh and smile. Your songs are even better than my parodies! Miss Fortman: I can't say anything other than thank you for being you. You're hilarious and so fantastic at art...I'm jealous! Thanks for letting me hide in your room when certain individuals were following me around the school. And finally, Mr. Kappel: thanks for being the best religion teacher of all time. This, of course, is because you let us listen to Phantom of the Opera in class! But really, thanks for being so supportive and caring. Wouldn't have been able to help the people I did without you.

Lastly, I'd like to give a big, sarcastic thank you to the one teacher who has hated me more than any other. I will not mention your name for the sake of privacy, but your abhorrence towards me (and clear favoritism towards a certain swimmer) has fueled my writing passion like no other individual.

Of course, it wouldn't feel right NOT to acknowledge my favorite teacher of all time, Mr. Kraus. I've already told you this before, but thanks for everything you've done. You've always believed in me, as both a student and person. It's nice to know someone actually cares in this world. Even when I wasn't in your class anymore, you knew something was wrong, and wouldn't let up until I was feeling better. They say heroes come in all shapes and sizes...and I would honestly consider you to be one of my heroes. And why shouldn't I? Heroes save people, and you most certainly did just that. You helped me come out of my shell and into a much brighter and more confident person. Aside from that, you helped me from sinking into the same depression that effected my sister so severely. Whether you read this or not (or even care, for that matter), I would just like to give a word of thanks. Everything you've done means the world.

Finally, a big shoutout goes to all of the friends I've made in high school, especially the ones here reading my story. There aren't many of you left that I'd like to thank, but for those of you who are still there after all this time...thank you.