A kind word is never thrown away.

I'm one of those people who likes to save letters and cards.  Words mean a lot to me, and I like to be able to go back and read the things that people have said to me.  There is something so humbling, so personal, and so raw about reading a kind, thoughtful letter from a friend.  The words can make you feel like you're the most special and loved person on the planet.  Even the simple act of writing a letter is a testament to how much that person cares about you.  We live in a world where communication, even across continents, happens instantly.  We're always in a rush, we don't like to wait, and we get annoyed when someone doesn't respond to our text within the next five minutes.  So it means a lot when someone takes the time to hand-write their feelings for you.  When it happens, you treasure that piece of paper.  You take it with you from Michigan, to Brazil, and finally to Utah.  Wherever you go, it comes along: a kind word is never thrown away.

As I was moving into my new apartment today, I came across my collection of cards and letters.  I was tempted to shove the pile right back into the box where it came from because I was busy and still had a lot to unpack.  But I decided to set them aside for later.  So I finished unpacking, got McDonald's with Amy, and now it's later.  Midnight, to be exact, which is quite the perfect time to reunite with old friends if you ask me.


Paige

Paige is my eight-year-old little sister.  She has such a kind, giving spirit and is always leaving little notes or drawings around the house for the members of my family.  I remember coming home late from work one night over the summer to find a sweet little note taped to my bathroom mirror.  It said,

I will miss you Emma.  I wish you didn't have to go to college this year.  Love Paige.  P.S.- Can I get your autograph tomorrow?

That noted is tacked on my bulletin board and I look at it every day.  It reminds me that my family are the most important people in my life, and no matter how far away they are or how little I get to see them, they will always be there for me.  Paige will always be my little sister.  Having them in my life makes me the luckiest girl on the planet.

Colleen McBride

When I turned 17, Colleen gave me the sweetest, most sincere birthday card I've ever gotten.  She started out by joking around and bringing up funny memories, but she ended the note with a list called "Things I admire about Emma Holdaway."  I cried when I read it the first time, and I've cried reading it every time after that.  Here it is: 
     
           #1.  Your determination and drive - I can't believe how hard you work.
           #2.  Your attitude - people know better than to mess with you.  This may sound like a bad thing
                   to you, but it can only help you in life.
           #3.  Your strength - you've been through so much and you never give up.
           #4.  Your loyalty - it's obvious how much you love and care for your friends and family and I respect
                   that a lot.
            #5.  Your style - you always so look presh.
            #6.  Your love of music - you love something enough to pursue it, and you have a beautiful voice.
            #7.  Your honesty - I feel like you're the only person besides me that doesn't put up with people's
                    BS, and that takes ovaries of steel.
            #8.  Your love - I know I already said this, but you give so much of it, and that's what makes you so
                    great.

Thank you, Colleen, for noticing and taking the time to point out my strengths.  I have a really hard time finding and recognizing the good in myself, and whenever I'm having a bad day, I read your list.  It reminds me that though I might feel inadequate or small, other people can see the potential in me.  And sometimes that's all I need to pick myself up and keep going.  Thank you for being an amazing friend.  I don't know what I would do without you.  I love you.

Emily Pletcher

Emily is one of the few people on this planet that can say that I've touched their bare feet.  It was during a Romeo and Juliet rehearsal, and we were learning the cheer routine for the opening scene.  We were going to try and do some lifts and Emily was going to be our flyer.  Right before she stepped into our hands she decided to take her shoes off and I almost died.  I hate feet, like a lot, but I couldn't let go because then she would fall and it would have been my fault.  So yes, I've touched Emily Pletcher's feet.

And it was all uphill from there.  We quickly became best friends, and took frequent trips to Olive Garden, watched movies, and even survived a car crash.  The last time I saw Emily before moving to Brazil, she gave me this note:

Emma!  I cannot imagine my life if I had not met you.  Two years ago I was a nervous new kid auditioning for her first play and while I'm waiting back stage I see the most giddy girl (you) running up and down the hallway, yelling without a care in the world.  Little did I know you would end up being one of my best friends.  You have been my rock through every show (even Cinderella which you were amazing in btw), and I have never laughed as hard as I have with you.  From our car accident to dancing outside my car and backstage every rehearsal, I will always consider you my best friend and will never forget you.

I'll never forget you either, Emily (especially when you fell in the pit that one time).  Love you!

Heather Donnelly

Heather: I knew her as the freshman with a big voice and an even bigger heart.  We've probably eaten at Asian Buffet more times than the rest of the world put together but it doesn't matter because we're perfect and everyone wishes that they could be just like us. Heather was my partner in crime during all three shows my senior year, and I can't even imagine what it would have been like without her.  I'm so proud of her for making Trebs, and I know that she'll continue to wow the world with her bright, magnetic personality.

Heather's locker was right across the hall from mine, and on one of my last days of school, she came over and handed me this note:

I remember meeting you at the first drama club meeting of the year.  Meeting you was so intimadating.  I'd always seen you, heard you sing, saw how talented you were, and now I was meeting you.  After we first talked, our friendship grew so fast.  You are honestly so close to me.  You're so pretty, nice, funny, and trustworthy.  When I have anything going wrong I know you'll be there to make fun of people with me and to help me cheer up.

I'll always be here to make fun of people with you, Sir.  You can count on that.

Steven Collareno

I could go on and on about what an amazing person Steven is.  He is one of the most diligent, passionate people that I know.  He's so talented and hard-working, and I have the utmost respect for him.  When I was the music director for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" I could always count on Steven to be paying attention and trying his hardest.  I don't know if I ever personally thanked you for that, Steven.  It really meant a lot to have your respect and attention during rehearsals, even when everyone else was goofing off (I still love you guys though, don't worry!).

Before the closing night of Hairspray, I found a note from Steven tucked into my bag in the dressing room.  Reading it brought tears to my eyes:

I honestly think you are one of the funniest people I have ever met.  To be honest, when someone walks into a room and you go, "Really?  That's what you're wearing?" I don't care how rude it sounds I think it's hilarious.  Plus your brutal honestly is awesome.  It is hard to find people like that, but I'm so happy that you're one of those people.  WHY ARE YOU SUCH A BETTER MUSIC DIRECTOR THAN MRS. PRYCE?!?!  That reminds me, music.  Yeah, you're REALLY good at it.  You know so freaking much about it and I learned a lot from you during Charlie Brown.  I actually really did.  I will miss you next year, but you are going to be doing great things with your life, I know you will. 

Thank you, Steven.  You're amazing.  Your talent and your sincerity will help you go far in life.  I'm so proud of you for becoming drama club president and I can't wait to see all the good things that will undoubtedly come your way.

Michael Rootare

Michael is one of the sweetest boys I've ever met.  He's so easy to get along with and has such a kind, genuine personality.  Even though I've only known him for a little while, he's become one of my close friends.  My senior year and Hairspray would not have been the same without him: there wouldn't have been any cheering during the roll call of "Nicest Kids in Town" for example!  Anyways, Michael wrote me a super cute graduation message:

You are such a wonderful person.  I know you will go far in life.  But then again, it wouldn't really matter if you turned out to be a hobo because you would still be you.  That's what I and so many others love about you.

Good luck to you, Michael!  I'm excited to see what the future has in store for you.  No matter what life throws at you, never stop being yourself.  Your natural happiness and positivity will make others want to be your friend.  You have so much talent and I can't wait to see how you use it.  And I'm also super proud of your promposal.  It was adorable.  


Obviously this is only a short list of the sweet, heartfelt messages that I've gotten over the years.  It would be impossible to list them all here, but I want to thank everyone who has ever encouraged or supported me.  Your efforts do not go unnoticed.  I would not be the person that I am today without the help of the hundreds of people that have been a part of my life.