I miss you Winter!! I watched all of the Dolphin Tale movies growing up and visited you when I was eight years old. 

~ Sierra

I was about 4 years old and in preschool when I found out about Winter. I watched the movies a million times and I kind of latched onto her. Growing up I had a hard time socializing with people and we would later find out that I had undiagnosed autism and social anxiety. I would always say that Winter was my friend because she was and she still is. I think I was about maybe six or seven when I was surprised with the news that I was going to CMA and I was so excited because it was my first time out of the state that  live in! I had the best time and I still have the stuffed animal of winter that I got. After that I probably have gone 4 or five times and plan to go again in the future. She truly was a huge part in me growing up and will continue to be as I continue to grow.  When I was younger and struggling with social interactions and wanted nothing more than to "be like the other kids" I would always say to myself "If Winter can I can." Its bee about 10-11  years since I've found out about Winter and I'm now 15 years old. For my 16th birthday my parents are considering letting me get a Winter tattoo (if not at 16 100% at 18) I owe so much to Winter and I'm eternally grateful for her. I would like to share a poem I wrote around the time she died. I'll paste it below.

Broken heart that once was mend,

Bleeding drops of dark, dark red,

For those I loved have left me alone,

Scared, broken and alone,

My first friend the one who was there,

Know matter what the weather bared,

I visited you ever summer,

You kept me hopeful,

But now your gone,

So, I'll sing a sad song,

I miss your chirps,

Your whistles too,

Sometimes I wish I could see you,

But deep down I know your still here,

When I hear a chirping sound, I think of you and I don’t frown,

When I hear whistles I think of you,

And every memory I have of you,

So, I await the day I see you again,

For I know you will be waiting for me, my friend.

Winter will forever be in our hearts and I will always love her dearly. Thank you for everything Winter and happy birthday angel <3