Only the good die young, right?

I believe for a fact that the above question is true.

As an eighteen year old that's going into her sophomore year of college, I have witnessed my friends and family struggle from over ten different deaths aging between 8-17.

Two years ago, our community was affected by one simple word that no one likes to hear, cancer. Heather-Anne had a heart of gold, she is beautiful, funny, and was such a great partner of mine in basketball practice. Heather-Anne always laughed at the silliest things like putting a ranch bottle on the top of our heads and seeing who could walk the longest without it falling. She always put a smile on someone's face when they were down and could lift anyone up with words of encouragement. She fought such a hard fight and by her character, our community became one to help her with her fight to cancer. Last July, Heather-Anne became our angel and #99 will never be forgotten. We miss you beautiful. #99neverforgotten

After her death, we had two unexpected deaths in the matter of two months happen at a local high school which affected the community immensely. Jamond and Gianluca were friends of many and were also spectacular athletes between football and soccer. Coming together as a small community, we helped our local community out with fundraisers and such, but that does not heal the broken hearted.

Last summer, we had one death that truly has still left my heart broken.I never knew that one young man could hold as much sunshine in his heart as Erik Smith did. He was always the one to roam the hall telling everyone to smile and keep their head up when they were down. He was the type of person that no matter what you have Dai-Dai, we miss you. It's crazy how it's been a year since you've been gone and even crazier that it has been two years since Heather-Anne has been gone. You touched many lives and still live in our hearts forever.

There are daily reminders that end up making my day when I see them. Whether its the numbers written on someone's bookbag, the hashtags that are written everywhere, or the family that smiles everyday knowing they are in a better place. I have seen so many daily reminders, especially all of their athletic numbers written on a bus, the temperature, or a random spot. 55, 33, and 99 are all different numbers that touch my heart when seen.

Death is a heart ache that no one can heal. With many deaths in our community, our community only becomes stronger. Many accidents occur everyday and everyone should take note that they need to express love and kindness to the ones who mean the most to them. To the friends that passed away way too young, we miss you and hope you're playing sports with each other in heaven.

It doesn't become easier by time that you have been gone, we all only become stronger. We miss y'all.

#FlyHigh55

#DoItForDai-Dai

#99neverforgotten

#LucaGang