Sitting in class with my headphone in my right ear, I hear three loud bangs just thinking it was lockers. Ten seconds later, over the intercom, “Go on lockdown, this is not a drill.” Gathered under tables in my Spanish class, we sat and waited. Phones going off left and right. Everyone getting texts and phone calls from family and friends asking, “Are you ok?” Two hours later, the S.W.A.T Team came in and told us to run across the street with our hands above our heads. Not turning back, I didn’t process what had just gone on.
Situated among hundreds, hearts aching, tear-filled eyes and questions still running through heads. Everyone was gathered for one reason, the memorial service for Claire Davis. Claire was shot in the Arapahoe High School Shooting on December 13, 2013. Karl, the gunman, walked into Arapahoe, my school, and was armed. He shot Claire, then took his life. Claire wasn't the target that day; she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Claire was in ICU for eight days and then passed away on December 21, 2013. On January 1st, Claire’s parents stood in front of hundreds and multiple cameras. Mr. Davis, who was a spoken man, gave impactful messages that day. As the tears bottled his eyes, he spoke the words, “Karl, I forgive you.” After he said that, the thought ran through my head; forgiveness is out there, mainly when the parents of the victim can say that after they just lost their daughter. Mr. Davis gave the message to all; “Choose to Love.” Choosing to love everyday means: to love, to laugh and to to live life everyday.
I used to complain about everything, even if it was something good. I wasn’t fun to be around and sometimes I questioned myself about why I am here. After the shooting, my eyes were opened. I saw a whole school come together as one, as well as strangers taking care of one another. Changing things in my life wasn’t easy but I had to remember everyday, choose to love. I grew closer with my family, my friends and my youth group who is now my second family. Along the way I became more involved by: starting two basketball tournaments on my mission trips, organizing Blessing Bags for the homeless, and helping run a canned food drive at my church. I found who I really was on my second my mission trip which was summer after the shooting when my youth group had finished our circle. My youth leader told me that I came a long way in six months and she loved the new and better me.
Opening my eyes made me realize to be thankful for everyday and everything I have. Some people aren’t on this earth anymore, but I know that there family and friends would do anything to have them back. You can take tragedy and feel bad for yourself, or you can make something positive. Life can be hard, but you are on this earth for a reason. From my sophomore year to now, I have changed my life for the better. I still carry every moment from December 13, 2013, and things can still trigger me. You never know when your last breath will be. Make the most of the opportunities you have. Live life to the fullest. Remember to live with a purpose and to choose to love.
