TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2019: Sarah Buchanan

Meredith VanSkiver – for being my best friend

Thank you for always being there for me through literally anything. One paragraph could never sum up how much you mean to me and how much you have done for me. Thank you for the late-night playground runs and for appreciating the night sky as much as I do. Thank you for always providing some comic relief in any situation. You understand me like no one else. I truly don’t know where I’d be without you. You deserve the world and more. 

Mrs. DeMeester – for being my “school mom”

Thank you for your kindness, reliability, and love. Thank you for the laughs we share and the secrets we keep. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and faith. Thank you for still loving Aaron and me even when we goof around a lot and play pranks (like putting pictures of our faces all over your office and classroom). Thank you for being a good friend to me.

Olivia Jeong – for always being there

I’m so grateful we became close again this year; my senior year would not be the same without you. Thank you for our weekly Mix dates and good talks. You are one of the most diligent, caring, and determined people I’ve ever met. Thank you for being there when I need you the most and helping me through all of life’s ups and downs. Thank you for reminding me to always have fun. I love you.

Abbey Calderwood – for being a light

I don’t tell you enough how much I love and appreciate you. Thank you for helping me to remember to love everyone always. You truly keep me sane and help me remember the goodness in people. You have a beautiful heart and are such a light in my life. Thank you for the cries, laughs, and everything in between. I love you more than words can say.

Maizey Szczepanek & Katrina Cassady – for our little adventures

I truly can’t summarize how much you two mean to me. Thank you for your spontaneity and fun. Thank you for every laugh we’ve shared and all of our inside jokes. We’ve been through everything together since seventh grade, and I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side through it all. Thank you for late-night adventures, deep talks, Uno nights, and hot tubbing. Thank you for the endless memories we share that I will remember for the rest of my life. I love you both so much—never forget that.

Susan Toppen – for your kindness

You are truly a gift, and I am so grateful for you. Thank you for always asking if I’m okay and actually meaning it. Thank you for being so selfless and caring so much for those around you and always making sure that everyone feels included. You have been such a good friend to me, and I’m so thankful for such a beautiful soul in my life. 

Sara Yockey-Sutton & Dorie Bekins – for your support 

Thank you for your guidance and love. Thank you for always knowing what to say and being a shoulder to cry on. I never would have expected all of the joy and acceptance that I have experienced over the years when I first walked into Young Life my freshman year. You both constantly push me to be a better person, and the wise words you have shared with me will stay with me forever. Thank you for making Monday night the best one of the week. Thank you for showing me a life of strong faith and God. Thank you for always reminding me that I can do hard things. I love you both more than you know. 

Aaron Jachim – for our laughs

Aaron Jachim, I love you. Just think, we went from me awkwardly third-wheeling Meredith and you on a coffee-date a few summers ago to you being one of my best friends. You are so dedicated to everything you do, and your ability to work so hard inspires me every day. I can’t wait to see all of the amazing things you will accomplish someday. Thank you for our 4th-hour talks. Thank you for making me laugh so hard that my stomach hurts. Thank you for constantly reminding me to be joyful, not care what other people think, and live in the moment. Thank you for being you; I am so grateful for you.

Mary & Robert Buchanan (Mom & Dad) – for everything

Words can’t describe how much I love and appreciate you. I truly could never thank you enough for everything that you have done for me. Thank you for making me the person I am today. Thank you for long car rides to new places, Sunday dinner storytelling, and summer evening boat rides. Thank you for teaching me to love others well, that experiences are more important than things, to always step outside my comfort zone, and to always do the right thing. I don’t get to tell you enough how truly grateful I am for you. I love you both so much.