Will I?

Today is my friend's birthday. Well, according to facebook, I have five friends having a birthday today. But of those five, the one I have known the longest is Cortne Blake. Unfortunately, she passed away on May 20, 2005.

I went to Columbus State University with Cortne. We met in English class, our freshmen year. I was a music major, my first year of college, but lived on main campus. I didn't really know too many people, so the friends I made in core classes were pretty much all I had. Sad, yeah? But Cortne was a sweetheart. My affinity for her grew when she began making appearances at the Sports Page for karaoke.

Cortne was one popular chick. I often had lunch or dinner with her and the friends she introduced me to, always in the university cafeteria. She definitely had a lot going for her because of her addicting personality. She was also on her way to success, as she was a Psych major with an emphasis in education and an Early Childhood Development minor. (Really, how many freshmen do you know who are that specific in what they want to do?)

What breaks my heart is this popular girl's friend count on facebook has dwindled to 22. The last time anyone wrote on her wall was in 2006. I realize it's the thought that counts; Cortne's friends will (hopefully) never forget who this beautiful soul was, regardless of silly ole' facebook. But, on the flipside, I would hope those who delete their friends from social networking sites (because they've passed away) don't do it because someone has left their life. It's understandable if that's how some choose to deal with grief, but there's a part of me that wants to still remain attached to all of my friends. I still want to browse through their pictures, see what they were interested in, wish them a happy birthday, etc. I'm also a sentimental sap. I still can't bear to take Rearcous and Kelley's numbers out of my cell phone.

Anywho, I love you all and I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I was just going down the list on facebook, wishing folks a happy birthday, and I landed on Cortne's page. Something about it really boiled my bubbles. I hate to think that such a beautiful friend could be forgotten so quickly and easily, even though that's probably not that case at all.

And now for something that's not depressing...
And what could possibly be most flattering photo of Brittain (I love you!)

Much love,
Jono