Recently, the Shelton, Connecticut community has experienced yet another untimely loss. The death of Madame Dixon will forever change the lives of those close to her as well as her place of work, Shelton High School. She was a lovely and kind-spirited woman who I had the pleasure of meeting in her first-period study hall last year. She will always be remembered for her love of the French language and the mark she left on her students.

Earlier this year, we lost Jonathan Sabo whose troubles weighed too heavily upon him as he took his own life. He was a drummer and a beloved friend of many of my fellow students. His death resonated in the Shelton community and altered the lives of those who knew him. He showed us all that you never truly know what internal struggles people are facing.

The deaths of these beloved members of the Shelton community have shown how wonderful our city is. We have grieved together, found comfort in each other, and learned how to say goodbye together. We unite in these times of need and offer a hand to those struggling to cope with losses. Together, we celebrate the lives of those who die these tragic and unforeseen deaths and learn to collect the pieces of hearts torn and broken.

Life is precious. We think we have time to accomplish our goals and achieve our dreams, but at any given moment a life can end. We must cherish every moment because we never know when that time might be. These deaths have proven this and also shown us how fragile the gift of life really is. The grief we share is the price of loving that person so deeply and it reminds us of how wonderful that person was to make us feel that way.

Our community will forever remember these two lovely people as well as many others. We will lean on each other as we mourn their loss and find strength and clarity amid the melancholy haze that surrounds us.

A message to those lucky to be alive; remember to be kind and cherish the memories and people around you because you never truly know when or what will happen next. Celebrate life and be grateful that we have such wonderful people in our community that make saying goodbye so difficult.

May your hearts become lighter and troubles become easier as each new day begins.