My Other Half

Where to begin? 

Haley was the best friend I never saw coming and the sister I always wanted. She and I were inseparable. It was impossible for one of us to walk into a room without someone asking, “Where’s your other half?” We were proud to be best friends, and we were proud to share our passions with each other.

Haley played a large role in quite a few firsts in my life. 

She taught me how to wear makeup in the 6th grade by quite literally applying my mascara herself. 

She was there when I was cast in my first play, and she was there again when I was cast in my first musical. 

She orchestrated not one, not two, but three elaborate “prom-posals” and helped each of my prom dates make me feel like a princess.

When I performed my first dramatic scene in front of the Lipscomb Theatre Department as part of an assignment, Haley came to me afterwards with a big hug and tears in her eyes to tell me how proud she was.

Haley was the first to celebrate with me in any milestone in my life, and she would celebrate like it was the best thing that had ever happened.

I will never forget the night that the cast list for Cinderella at Centennial High School was posted. Little baby freshmen Haley and Bethany were at our first of many high school basketball games, and as soon as we got the notification that the list had been posted, she grabbed me by the arm and we took off out of the gym and straight to the theatre room. I was cast in the ensemble, and Haley celebrated as if it was my big broadway debut. She hadn’t even auditioned, but she jumped up and down and couldn’t wait to announce it to the world.

I guarantee everyone in Haley’s life can vouch for the fact that she was always pushing us to be better versions of ourselves. Haley was constantly pushing me out of my comfort zone, and I wouldn’t be who I am today if she hadn’t pushed with her iconic Haley Sue persistence.

In high school, I thought I wanted to be a cheerleader, so Haley decided she was going to make it happen. She spent countless hours teaching me how to tumble in her backyard. Although I was a hopeless case and never ended up cheering, Haley never gave up on me.

More recently, I texted Haley to tell her I had a job interview and ask if I could borrow a dress. Haley immediately packed an entire duffle bag full of her best clothes, bought me a brand new journal for my interview and wrote me the most encouraging handwritten note. She always went above and beyond for the people she loved.

Haley and I were fortunate to spend almost all of our years in school together from the second grade all the way up through college graduation. In those years, Haley never stopped pushing to be the best she could be, and she expected the same of others.

Performance was a large part of our lives together, and no matter our roles, Haley was always there to cheer others on. Some of my greatest memories are those of Haley and I during our years performing at J. Kelley. She pushed me to sing the hard songs, take the tough roles and never stop growing in my passion.

I could talk for hours about every incredible memory Haley and I made together and the ways she shaped me, but there is truly no way to put all of that into words. None will do it justice.

Haley,

Thank you for always pushing me to be better. 

Thank you for the days that we laughed until it hurt. 

Thank you for the sacred time we spent together with The Lord. 

Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone and encouraging me to try new things.

Thank you for loving so fiercely.

Thank you for your life.

I love you to the stars, Hal. I can’t wait to see you again.

Love always,

- B

--
Bethany Rowland