Dear Diary,
Mom is dead. Words cannot even begin to describe my sadness. My mother was my best friend and now I am lost. I am just having a hard time even writing because my mind is racing a mile a minute and I am not even sure what to say anymore. My dear friend Catherine and her mother gave me this diary so that I can express my emotions to something but honestly I don’t even have any emotions at this point.
Sincerely,
Belle

Dear Diary,
Today was my dear Mother’s funeral. It was amazing to see the number of people that came to celebrate her short but beautiful life. I was able to share a few words with the congregation but it was hard to get anywhere without disappearing in a puddle of tears. Before closing her casket, I was able to have a few last moments with my Mother. As she layed there in a gorgeous dress as white as snow to complement her angelic porcelain skin I whispered words of love. I talked with her all about the fun times we used to share together. However, I didn’t share with her the moments that she would miss. I stroked her silky smooth nut brown hair and kissed her cold cheek that was once filled with so much warmth. I squeezed her hand one more time as a final goodbye and finally I let my forever friend go. After placing her body deep underground where she would rest in peace for a long, long time, we planted her favorite flower in front of her grave stone carved from granite. My Dad carefully watered the flowers for a lengthy amount of time. Between you and me I think he was trying to pour as much love as he could into every last drop  he gave to his beloved wife. He couldn’t look me in the eyes for the rest of the day and I knew the reason because it was most likely the same reason I didn’t look at him. We didn’t want to see the deep amount of sadness in each other’s eyes.
Sincerely,
Belle

Dear Diary,
I was able to go through all of my Mother’s precious memory boxes today with my Dad. It was a great moment for us to have together to remember my incredible Mother. Even though it has been a few days since her passing, I still cannot comprehend that she is gone. Everything that I find of hers around the house brings me so much joy rather than sadness. This is how I am going to be able to get through these days of mourning. I want to smile at every mention of my Mother because I love her. Tomorrow, I hope to return to school and my studies to take my mind off of it for a bit.
Sincerely,
Belle

Dear Diary,
I looked forward to going to school this morning however, when I got there I realized everyone knew. I wanted school to be my safe haven but as I looked around all I could focus on were tiny whisperings and pitied looks. Learning was one of my Mother’s favorite things to do. She was always studying, reading, and writing. Her knowledge was never enough for her. She always wanted to explore more. As I grow I hope to be able to have the deep love she did for education. My friend Catherine invited me to a party this weekend and I told her that I would think about it. I honestly don’t know what to do. I think that it is not an appropriate time for me to be freely joking with my friends and flirting with boys just yet. My Mother used to always encourage me to go to these types of get togethers just to race home to tell her all about what had happened. I have a lot to catch up on with school work so I should probably get started. Thank you for listening.
Sincerely,
Belle

Dear Diary,
After discussing with my Dad and thinking about it for a really long time, I have decided that it might be good for me to go to Catherine’s party. My Dad said that my Mother would want be running around and enjoying these days rather than sitting in gloom and darkness. I think it’ll be freeing for my mind and I’ll be able to catch up with some of my friends that I haven’t been able to hang out with lately. On a completely, unrelated note, diary guess what! I think that John will be there. If I had to describe John in three letters those letters would be H. O. T. I swear I have had a crush on John for as long as I can remember. How can you not fall for those dreamy eyes! I’m so glad that Catherine invited him! She knows just how to get my spirits up. The party is tomorrow and still do not know what to wear. Wait I have an idea! Maybe I will wear my Mother’s favorite dress to keep her close to my heart. I’m going to go have dinner with Dad now! Thank you for listening.
Sincerely,
Belle

Dear Diary
Boy oh boy do I have quite the story for you! I just got home from Catherine’s party and I have never had this much energy in my entire life. Let’s start from the beginning. As soon as I had walked into the party, John came up and talked to me. We were able to talk for a really long time and it was amazing to get to know him better. Oh diary, is it too early to say that I am in love? Afterwards, we hit the dance floor and danced for a long time. He was very affectionate and I admired that about him. As it started to get later, the fun began. Somebody took out a bunch of alcohol they had brought and I thought that just a couple of drinks couldn’t cause any harm. We drank a lot and it was just the best time. John wanted my number so that he could ask me out sometime. Finally, it was time to go home but I just wanted to stay in that fun and carefree moment forever and ever. I’m so glad I talked myself into going to Catherine’s party. I had the best of times. I’m feeling a little sick to the stomach so I should probably hit the hay. Thank you for listening.
Sincerely,
Belle

Dear Diary,
I woke up to the sweetest text from John that read, “Thank you for the amazing night! I have never had more fun than I had with you last night. I’ll plan something we can do as soon as possible. You’re amazing <3” I can’t tell if I am dreaming or if this is real life. Does THE John that I have fallen for since the beginning of time like me? I am so unbelievably happy at this moment that I could scream. I never knew how much fun drinking was until I tried it last night. I even slept off my stomach ache. I think that once Dad goes out to the store this afternoon, I will go through our collection. Maybe there’s a few bottles that I can bring next time and Dad won’t even notice they’re gone! I’m going to go make myself some lunch. Thank you for listening.
Sincerely,
Belle

Dear Diary,
I have some exciting news to share with you! John just texted me and invited me to come with him as his date to his friend’s house for a party. He made it sound like a pretty eventful party so I am pretty excited for it. I told him that I thought I could snag a couple of bottles from my Dad’s alcohol collection in the basement. I’m pretty sure he won’t even notice. Imagine me! Belle! As John’s date to a party! This is unreal. The only downer is that it isn’t until the weekend so we have to trudge through another week full of school anticipating the great fun we will have this weekend. I need to go to the mall to get some new clothes! Nothing I have is good enough for this type of party. Talk to you soon! Thank you for listening.
Sincerely,
Belle
Dear Diary,
I just got back from the mall with Catherine. I invited her along because she goes to these kind of parties all of the time and so I figured she would know exactly what to wear. I miss shopping with my Mother so much. She had a big heart for shopping and was always trying to get me to go with her. I regret all of the times I turned her down. I would do anything to get those moments back. However, Catherine picked out this short, black,figure fitting dress for me to wear. She told me that it made me look a lot older which is hopefully a good thing. Catherine also offered to come over beforehand to do my hair and makeup. The party is tomorrow night and I can barely breathe I am so excited. I still haven’t broken the news to my Dad quite yet. Between all that has happened recently, I am not so sure he is going to let his little girl go out with a boy that he has never met before. I think now is a good time to go and talk to him about it. Wish me luck!
Sincerely,
Belle

Dear Diary,
Guess what!!! My Dad was perfectly fine with my decision to go out with John. However, I didn’t quite mention the party piece of the equation. I knew that he wouldn’t be too excited about that. In my opinion, it was mature of me just to tell him that I was going out with a boy. That’s all he needs to know. I can’t wait another second. The party is tonight and my stomach is dancing all around. I am really excited but I’m also super nervous. I just really want John to think of me like I think of him. Trust me, I think of him a lot.  Catherine is on her way over to help me get ready. I’m so glad to have Catherine. She has helped me so much especially lately with my Mother dying. I miss my Mother so much. I have been thinking of her more than usual lately. She would’ve been so excited that I am going out with a boy and she would have wanted to know every detail. My Mother and I were best friends. I would tell her everything and now she is gone. I just heard the garage door close. That’s my cue. I am going to go rummage through my Dad’s alcohol collection now for some good drinks to bring to the party. I can’t wait to come home and tell you all about it when I get home!
Sincerely,
Belle

Dear Diary,
Last night was a disgrace. It started out really fun but it escalated very quickly and I don’t think it ended that well. I woke up on the couch with my dress still on and my make up smudged everywhere. I suddenly felt sick so I stood up to go to the restroom but I felt so dizzy that I just fell back down on the couch and got sick. What has happened to me? Why am I like this? These were some of the questions storming through my head as my Dad walked into the room. I look at him with tears streaming down my face. I didn’t even have to ask him what I did, I knew. I didn’t deserve the pitied look in his eyes. I had let him down. He explained to me that I had gotten seriously drunk and everyone at the party, including John, were concerned. After a bit of speculation, they decided to call my Dad because my behavior was becoming uncontrollable. What have I become! Stealing, lying, practicing illegal activities. Imagine if my Mother was here and what she would think of me. I am so embarrassed. I wonder what all of those kids think of me now. I am a complete loser. I am severely disappointed in myself. Diary, please, you are a true and dear friend to me and I ask for your forgiveness.
Sincerely,
Belle
Dear Diary,
Sorry for not writing to you for a little bit! I have taken some time lately to do a lot of much needed reflection. I have focused a lot on school, hung out with Catherine, and spent a lot of time with my Dad. I was in a very deep and dark place. I know that I never want to be in that position ever again. I am so thankful for my Dad and how understanding he is. I am so blessed to have the most amazing parents whether they’re in heaven smiling down on me or at home waiting to go for a drive. Even though my dear Mother passed away, she will always be my best friend, mentor, and a piece of my heart. I always feel her with me. Thank you for everything Diary.
Sincerely,
Belle

(10 years later)
Dear Diary,
Aha! I found my precious diary. I was given this diary when I was 16 years old right after my beloved Mother passed away from a heart attack in the middle of the night. This diary got me through so much during that time in my life. That was such a difficult time and it was so nice to have something to share all of my emotions, feelings, and stories with. Still to this day I will never forget that very important decision I made when I was 16 to never disappoint my Mother again. I am now married and we have a daughter and we live in a cute house in the country just like my Mother always wanted to do with Dad and I. Her name is Amelia after my Mother. Every day she reminds me of her. She is the light of my life. I hold her very close to my heart. We will be the best of friends. Thank you again for everything you have done for me. I look forward to sharing this with my dear Amelia as she grows.
With love,
Belle