play like a champion, matt.

I got a phone call today from my best friend Sam that really shook me up. She called to let me know that her ex boyfriend, whom she had dated for six years, passed away yesterday from cancer. He had cancer while they were dating, but it came back after they broke up. Sam had no idea how sick he was and she had to find out about his passing via facebook. That poor girl. I cannot imagine how she is feeling right now, how his family is feeling. I broke down after I hung up- partly for her pain, partly the fact that none of us said goodbye, and partly the realization once again of how quick life can be.

I've known Matt since I've known Sam. Us girls lived just a few buildings away from him and a few of his friends, and we spent many of our nights walking back and forth between our apartments. Matt was kind of like an older brother to all of us- we loved to tease and joke around with him, and we'd give him an evil glare whenever he and Sam had a little disagreement...because, as her friends, we were ALWAYS on her side. I spent some time today looking back on some of the funny memories with Matt..like how one time we made him put Jordin Sparks "No Air" on repeat, or made up a dance and song demanding him to take us to taco bell. He listened to Sam and I fangirl over our American Idol stories, he even came over to watch it with us. I have a lot of good memories with Matt- he took care of us if we had a little too much to drink and, along with Sam, bought us Rockband for Valentine's Day.

One of my favorite things about Matt was his love for Notre Dame. It was something we had in common, something we could talk about- even though I didn't know that much, I could nod along and pretend, since I came from a family that bled Notre Dame. I remember that year when we knew him really well, the team was pretty bad, and all his friends would make fun of him for liking ND, but Matt ALWAYS stood up for them. I loved that. One of my favorite things was using his bathroom at their parties (he only allowed Sam and I, HA!) and Sam and I would secretly sit on his bed and gossip. EVERY time, I'd see his giant Notre Dame sign and start to cry because it made me miss my brother...then I'd go downstairs and tell Matt just that. He probably got really sick of it, but he'd always just smile and say "I know". I also loved how much he took care of my best friend for me, how much he loved her. I think he'll always love her, and I know that he is looking down from heaven. Matt, please keep watching over her. Be her guardian angel. And please, please go give Amanda and Laurence big hugs.

Rest in peace, Matt. I promise to "play like a champion" for you every day.

"You already know this but this is the most important game of your lives, no excuses do the work. Our lady of victory...
[all] PRAY FOR US. "- Rudy.

I've had way too many young people around me pass away. With each one, it is another reminder of how quick life is, how precious life is. Please, friends, do not take things for granted. Hug. Love. Laugh. Cry. Be grateful. Tell every single one of your friends how much you love them today, because they could be gone tomorrow. Pick up that phone call, send a letter, make a road trip. Make the time.

Day 26- The Last Person You Made A Pinky Promise Too

Dear Alayah and Marisa,
I pinky promised that I would visit you in school this year, and I will hold that promise. I am proud of you two. Thank you for making my year so memorable. Keep up the hard work. Hugs.
Love, Auntie Megan

Also, everyone should do this.

. Post a list of up to 20 books/movies/anime/TV shows/video games/bands/teams that you've had an obsessive fannish love or interest in at some time in your life.

2. Have your f-list guess your favorite character/member from each item.

1. American Idol Season 6 -
2. American Idol Season 7 -
3. American Idol Season 8 -
4. Rent -
5. Babysitters Club -
6. Laguna Beach -
7. Glee-
8. Harry Potter-
9. The Spill Canvas-
10. Wizard of Oz-
11. Full House-
12. Nsync-
13. Hanson-
14. Mean Girls-
15. Harry Potter -
16. Red Wings-
17. Tigers-
18. Spice Girls -
19. Disney Princess -
20. Disney Character -