If I die young
Start writing a post
Student Life

If I Die Young

If I ever leave this world alive.

172
If I Die Young
Trentyn Waring

"Life is a waterfall. We're one in the river and one again after the fall." - Serj Tankian

A part of life, is death. We all have questions as to what really happens after. Some choose not to think about it. Some choose to be afraid of death, and what happens after. As if life follows a linear path. I often find myself, even at my young age, contemplating how I would feel if I were to pass away young. Thoughts that I doubt my peers contemplate. Few accept and acknowledge they have the possibility of passing away at any moment and are okay with it.

Recently, my father shared a post on Facebook about lessons of life he wished his children knew. One of them was "Write your own eulogy. Never stop rewriting." What would my eulogy be like when I pass? What would people do? This is exactly what I would like them to do, and feel if I ever leave this world alive.

Understand I loved with all my heart. Fiercely. Entirely. Like a fire that could never be quenched. In my 19 years, I have done things few ever will do in their lifetimes. I have done a handstand on the edge of the Grand Canyon. I have done 160+ on motorcycles. I have looked death in the face and smiled the greaser smile I do so well. My life was permanently changed after receiving 100K and an incredibly wild weekend in California. I have lived a pretty full life, and I haven't reached 20.

So, if I die young. Bury me the way my ancestors were buried. Lay me down in a boat, send it out and burn it down. Smile. Celebrate every memory made. Celebrate the life I lived. Drink, be happy, celebrate, put on my favorite songs and dance, laugh and sing and know I am right there next to you, doing the same.

After all, my favorite joke is "What's a wake? Well, it's when you're not sleepin'!" Be sure to walk out listening to "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life" from Monty Python. There will be no tears at my funeral, only smiles to celebrate the life lived.

I encourage you, dear reader, to think about it all yourself. Not in the manner of fear, but in acceptance that none of us are really going to be around forever. Live every day to the fullest extent you can. Be spontaneous. Courageous. Unwavering and unafraid of whatever lies in your path. Ask that person out, get that job, change, grow, adapt. Above all, be happy and thankful. I should clarify, this is not a letter. This is not me reaching out or a hidden cry for help. This is the acceptance that I will probably die someday. Probably. I could be immortal.

"My death," said a certain ogre, "is far from here and hard to find, on the wide ocean. In that sea is an island, and on the island there grows a great oak, and beneath the oak is an iron chest, and in the chest is a small basket, and in the basket is a hare, and in the hare is a duck, and in the duck is an egg, and he who finds the egg and breaks it, kills me at the same time." Joseph Campbell- Hero With A Thousand Faces

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

91045
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

64374
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments