By The Grace of You

5

My family and Ethan's family got to speak during the service and so did a few other family members of Ella's. Some of her other friends came too and sat near me, asking if I was okay at moments they knew I wasn't. Since she's been laid to rest, my journey of moving forward has begun. Everyday is a challenge although some days are easier. Now that she's gone, it's like I had to learn how to do so many things differently. I have gotten to know a few new people for my own sake and even reconnected with old friends.

As far as Jake Andrews goes, he pled guilty and is going away for a long time. It doesn't bring me joy about his sentencing, it actually hurts. I don't want to see another family lose a child in any way. He needs to be held accountable for what he did and I will stand by that. If he were to be let off easy, that would be giving everyone else an opportunity to get over on the law and so many of us would be in danger.

In honor of Ella, our high school has implemented something called "Ella's corner" which is a place where kids and parents can meet in small groups to talk about trauma and bring awareness to matters like drunk driving. Ella's family works with the school to give kids and parents the information and support they need to keep them safe and educated.
If this past year has taught me anything, it was to forgive and keep living my life.

My school has been more proactive in situations like these. My senior year didn't go the way I thought it would but with graduation next week, I'm ending this journey the way I know I should. My head will be held high as this part of life comes to a close. Ella died two weeks before we ended school last year. That summer was a test, not only for me, but for everyone. As many times I thought I was breaking, I realized I was just getting stronger.

Now I can proudly walk across that stage with my best friend's picture on my graduation cap and the memories of her in my heart.
One year of healing down, a lifetime to go.