Renee Michelle Ohrn

August 6, 1992- October 1, 2011

I remember the very first time I met you.  June 2007 at Hidden Lake Park.  You were tall and had your cartilage pierced, and I thought you seemed like the coolest person in the world. Turns out, you pretty much were.

I remember the first day of school.  You had a locker two down from mine.  You were in my homeroom, and even though I had quit soccer, you were nice to me.  You helped convince me to join the team again. Thanks for that.

I remember getting to know you those first few months of high school.  We had a blast on the JV team.  You also played varsity, but you were so humble about it.  I quickly learned that that was just how you were.

I remember finding out that when you got to high school, you hadn't been kissed yet.  Sorry for spilling the beans on that one, dollface, but I had to share.  I was so nervous that I was a loser because I hadn't either.  You showed me that it was okay.

I remember homecoming freshman year.  Now that is a dance that I'll always remember.  We joked about how Mrs. Herr had told you your dress was inappropriate.  You didn't have the greatest time, but you were still the most fun one there.

 Homecoming 2007

 I remember how you invited me to your house that summer.   We went to the beach, ate fruit, and talked about life.  We had a soccer scrimmage that night, but your brother took us to Quaker Steak and Lube anyway.  We listened to Brad Paisley in his truck and had way too many wings.  We probably didn't play our best games that night, but we had a great day.

[A different day at the beach;  it's from the soccer beach party.  When I walked into your funeral service, it was hanging on one of your many photo boards. As awful as that day was, it was a beautiful reminder of the happier times.]  

I remember how you set me up for homecoming sophomore year.  I had an amazing time, and it was all because of what you did.  I don't remember if I thanked you for that.  Sorry if I didn't.

I remember all the fun we had at soccer.  Even on the worst days-full of endless sprints and drills- you were always the one keeping us going.  I can still hear your voice yelling "Come on, ladies!" or "Push yourselves!" as we struggled to finish Grandma's House in time. I can hear your voice in a game as we huddled up, out of breath and half-wheezing, telling us that we can play harder. You were so focused and determined, but at the same time, you knew exactly when to have fun.

Senior Night 2009

 Senior Soccer Season 2010

Soccer Girls - Homecoming 2010

Senior Night 2010 

[Remember how Morton almost didn't show up? You were so worried your dad wouldn't be able to see you play after he had traveled so far.  I am so grateful he did.]

I remember Senior Retreat.  I am so grateful you were in my small group that first night. I learned so much about you, but there are two moments that stick out the most to me.  Towards the end of the session, we had the chance to ask others in the group a question.  When your turn came around, you said, "When is the moment you have felt the most alive?" That made us all stop and think. You talked about a concert; I talked about a repelling adventure.  Renee, looking back on this moment, I know that you were an angel for all of us.  

The second moment I remember is when we were asked which member of the group we would trade places with.  Every single person in that circle said you.  You had an outlook, an attitude, and a drive that none of us had even thought possible.  We wanted to be you.  You seemed surprised, but how could we resist?  

Fall Retreat II- October 2010

The rest of senior year is a blur.  You were beautiful on homecoming court, and a ton of fun at the dance.  At Megahn's Debut, you photobombed a picture that I will cherish forever, simply because you're in it.  In May, you were the most beautiful prom queen I've ever seen.  

I'm so sorry we grew apart at the end of senior year.  We never had a conflict, but we drifted into two different friend groups once soccer ended, and we didn't see each other that last summer.  

I wish there was more to remember from that time, but I do have the hundreds of wonderful memories from the four years I knew the hilarious and insightful and silly and kind person you were.  I will always cherish them.

There are parts of last October I don't want to remember, and I wish I could go back and stop what happened.  But I will choose to remember the outpouring of love that came forth during those first few days and the long weeks and months after.  The love for you, Renee, is unmatched.  Not a day goes by where I don't think about you.

One year ago today, the world lost one of its brightest lights.

I will never forget you, Renee, and I will always love you.