TJ and Janene.

I've read hundreds of love stories.
And I've watched all the best chick flicks (several times each I might add).
And none of those compare to the love story of TJ and Janene.

It started 6 years ago when they were both sophomores at AF.
It started with hello, and in no time at all, you could just tell.

You can see it in the way he looks at her.
You can see it in the way she blushes every time he kisses her.
You can just see it, really.

It's a love story for the ages.
And I've know it for years.

I'm so excited that these two could be married for time and all eternity.
They were made for each other, and when you see them together, it just makes sense why it didn't work out with anyone else.

Congratulations TJ and Janene!
Today it really all begins.
Today through forever.

Sincerely,

Samantha Dru

Graduation Day!

In my family, we have this running joke that certain things that happen to me are things that would only ever happen to me.

But it makes for good stories and always a good laugh.

And of course, graduation couldn't be the exception to the rule.

I'd been waiting for that day for years.

I mean I had a paper chain for the last 100 days of high school.

I was so excited in fact, I had convinced myself that it was going to be the perfect day.

And things were going smoothly, and I almost believed the day would go off without a hitch.

I was so close,

So close to being done.

All that was left was my name being called so I could walk across the stage to receive my diploma.

I waited patiently for my name to be called.

There were only a few people left in front of me.

Right before it was my turn the announcer asked me, "Do you want your name to be called as Samantha Dru Murphy or Samantha Murphy?"

"Sam Murphy or Samantha Dru Murphy, really anything but just Samantha Murphy," I replied.

And then it was my turn.

They're calling my name.

"Samantha Murdock."

What?!?!

That isn't my name!

But yes, they mean me...

I walked across the stage, thinking to myself,

"I have three choices here: get mad, cry, or laugh because this is one of those things that would only ever happen to me."

So I laughed(:

And at the end of the day, even though technically Sam Murphy really wasn't even part of the program, I'm still so excited to have made it this far!

And high school, now that I'm all done, here is what I have to say to you.

You nearly did me in.

And you weren't the party everyone promised you'd be.

And let's be honest, we're not the best of friends.

We've had our ups and downs,

Mostly downs.

And I can't say I'm going to miss you.

But you taught me a lot, and helped me become who I am today.

And even though I'd never in a million years go back,

I wouldn't trade these last four years for the world.

So high school,

Thanks for everything.

And now I'm on to bigger and better things!

Sincerely,

Samantha Dru