Thanks and goodbye to family and friends

I, Darcy Camden, being of sound mind and body, have composed the following will on the occasion of my departure to college:

To all my friends: I leave you all the wonderful memories of high school and the excitement of an uncertain future. You have taught me so much about true friendship, and I thank you for that.

Everything is changing for us. We're not adults yet, but we're suddenly a heck of a lot older than before.

I can't wait to see what we all grow up to be. Let's remember to check in with each other once in a while.

To my roommate-to-be: You have to (get to?) put up with me next year. Brace yourself.

I'm a slob. I'm loud. I have been known to snore.

I wouldn't want to live with myself, but I'm really glad you do.

I might get a little homesick, so if I cry once in a while don't be alarmed. And just maybe, if you're sad, too, we can cry together. But I promise we'll laugh more than cry. We're going to have so much fun together. I hope you're as excited as I am.

To my teachers: Congratulations on a job well done. You taught me how to dissect a frog, how to find the area of a triangle, how to write an essay and how to get into college.

Most of us never say, "Thank you"; we just move on and grow up. I can't promise I'll remember everything you taught me, and in a few months you'll barely remember me. Nevertheless, you gave me a most important gift: knowledge to help me succeed in this world. I promise to keep learning, and I'll do my best not to disappoint you.

To my brother: You get to be an only child for eight months out of the year. With me gone, Mom and Dad will have to focus all their protective parenting on you. Good luck.

You get my phone line and my old computer, but you'd better stay out of my room. No, seriously. Don't ever go in there. I want my things to stay exactly as I left them. I could come home at any time. I still am part of the family.

You also get the car. Have fun trying to remove all the tacky bumper stickers. You get to do my chores, too, as I'll be conveniently absent.

You can e-mail me anytime you want. I guess you can call, too, if you ache for the sound of my voice.

Enjoy the rest of your high school days, and take care of yourself - not to mention Mom and Dad.

I love you, kid.

To my parents: I don't have anything to will you except my undying love and appreciation. Your support and encouragement over the years have meant so much.

I know it wasn't easy, and we've been through a lot: dance lessons, violin lessons, science projects, school plays, braces, broken bones and boyfriends. Thanks for putting up with me.

And don't worry. I'll be OK. You taught me well, and I was listening.

Thank you for sending me to college and getting me ready for life "out there." I love you both more than I can say.

To myself: I will a promising future and the chance for a life on my own. I get to do my own laundry, make new friends and figure out what I want to do with my life.

I'm ready to spread my wings and take that flying leap into the unknown.

Look out, college. Here I come!

Copyright 2000 Cowles Publishing Company
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.