Dedication

[I should have posted this first, but oh well]


This story is dedicated to Michele Gulland. Every bit of this is for you; down to the very last sentence, every single letter, every tiny punctuation mark. It signifies every late night spent separating these memories, the tears that I shed while trying to recall every significant detail. The nights I thought I just couldn't do it anymore. And the days you spent giving me the strength to go on. I have, without a doubt and in a terrifying literal sense, put my blood and my tears into every part of this and overcoming it would not have been possible without you; I would not be possible without you.

Throughout everything, the good and the bad, the beautiful and the horrendously terrifying, the laughs and the controllable sobs, you have been the one truth and consistency to remain in my life, and for that, I am truly thankful. And I will never be able to find the words that could even begin to describe my love and gratitude toward you. Despite our ups and our unfortunate downs, you will always mean the absolute world to me.

Michele, I love you with every ounce of my soul, every fiber of my being. And neither a thing, nor any essence will ever change that. We have made it this far and I believe that after all of these experiences, we are as prepared as humanly possible for anything that might come our way in this life.

Also, to Nicolas Bedo for getting lost in my stories, even when they weren't at their best. For laying his head in my lap, night after night, listening attentively to every word that spewed from my nervous lips and never offering anything but constructive, yet positive, criticism. It is for never giving up on me and for always being my best friend and my biggest fan. This one’s for you.

To Stephen Aiello, who without knowledge has allowed me to find the strength in his words to finally beat writers block. You don't know what a life saver you are.

And last but certainly not least, to Andrew McMahon. For allowing to me triumphantly surpass any catastrophe and for showing me through your powerful words and your own personally victory, that anything is possible, life might not make sense but always run with it, and that cherishing your life is the least you can do.


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"Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?"-Hunter S. Thompson