Back in the day, I ruled the Hibbing High School Speech Team with an iron fist. Speech was a tough commitment. You had to get up really early every Saturday in the winter and ride off to some mysterious Iron Range High School for competition. 
Mostly, though, it was a fun job. You were with the same group of people every week, facing the same gut-churning, nerve-inducing challenges. I did speech for five years. You got close, ya know?

This post isn't very humorous — it's hard to be funny right now. One of those people died today.

I hadn't kept in touch with Whitney after graduating. I regret that. I saw her every weekend, at least a few times a week in team meetings and practices. She and I talked over her critiques and her concerns with her piece.

I don't know. I hate when people blog about people that died when they didn't really know them. So I'm not going to say much about Whitney, other than to pay my respects, just a few words toward a fellow Speechian. When Whitney and I hung out, she was a wonderful person with a cheerful spirit and always an upbeat attitude, fun to be around. She will be missed.

I just want to tell the people that are grieving — take it easy on yourselves. I've been in that position more than a few times, it doesn't get easier, and grief has a way of haunting you if you get over it too quickly. It's okay to hurt.

My prayers go out to the family. Rest in peace, Whitney.
 


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