FAREWELL TO MY YOUTH
The ending of Toy Story 3 is widely known as one of the most heartbreaking scenes in movie history. Andy giving his toys to Bonnie left audiences around the world grieving their own youth. Emily Ricks, who voiced Bonnie when she was 8 years old, is now 23. Just like Andy said goodbye to his youth by giving his childhood toys to her character, she is now doing the same, this time through her music. Her new single “Farewell to my Youth”, is a refreshing take on the intricacies of growing up, a chronicle of the pain and trauma that transforms one from child into adult. In the chorus she croons, “Everyone you love you’re gonna lose, and the older you get the more confused.” “Farewell to my Youth” is a crushing blow to the naivety we all possess when we are younger and a call to embrace the unknown of growing up. The release of “Farewell to my Youth” has been growing with hundreds of thousands of people connecting with it on TikTok and Instagram.
FIRST FRIEND
On January 20th, 2022, I got a call that my first friend I had growing up, Nate, was involved in a horrible car accident. I soon learned he was pronounced brain dead and would not wake up. Nate only sustained injuries to his brain which meant his other organs could be donated to save lives. On January 25th, over 100 of Nate’s family members and friends gathered at the hospital for an honor walk as Nate was being taken into the O.R. to become a hero to so many others. I wrote “First Friend” to honor Nate's impact on my life and share all the words I wish I had gotten to say to him.
ALL PROCEEDS will be donated to Nate’s Place, a foundation started by Nate’s family to continue his legacy.
