Death is a five letter word that unfortunately we all know too well. To our dismay, we tend to experience the loss of a loved one far more often than we should ever have to endure during our lifetime. It appears as though just as we are about to come to terms with the death of someone close to us, God decides to throw a curve ball towards us and chooses to take someone else who we love away, leaving us in a never-ending cycle of grief.

The hardest challenge that we might ever have to face in life is coping with the loss of someone who was near and dear to our hearts. Grief truly sucks; there is no other way to phrase it. No two deaths are ever the same. However, some losses are easier to come to terms with than others.

In most cases, we are forced to accept the reality that death is a natural part of life and draws near with old age. This concept may be a difficult one to grasp, but this cause is much easier to understand compared to that of the contrary.

We find ourselves tragically blindsided by the bereavement of someone who unfortunately died too soon every so often. When someone we love passes unexpectedly, we are left questioning time after time why only the good die young. It may be hard to comprehend at the time, but this old saying makes perfect sense:

"Mom, why do the best people die early?"

"When you are in the garden, which flowers do you pick?"

"The most beautiful ones."

The uncertainty which surrounds the matter of death is unsettling because you never quite know when it could possibly spring up on you. There could be an instance where you find yourself enjoying a wonderful day with your friend, but the next, they are taken from you before you have the chance to even bat your eyes or say a last goodbye.

One of the toughest elements of grief is having to acknowledge the truth in which the individual whom you cared deeply for is no longer present here on earth; however, many find peace with knowing that there is a possibility of meeting again in Heaven. Until then, their memory gets safely tucked inside your heart forever.

In times like these, surround yourself with individuals who will stand by you through a tough time like this, for strength always comes in numbers.

Grief is the last act of love that we can give to those that we loved. Where there is grief, there was great love.

In the end, death leaves a heartache that no one can heal; but love leaves a memory that absolutely no one can steal.

March 23, 2011

This particular date may seem quite insignificant to the common person; however, this day will not only be etched in my heart forever, but that of the entire Liberty High School Class of 2015. For on this day, we lost a dear friend and classmate to cancer.

Death may have unfortunately taken him, but he will never die. Instead, his legacy lies in all of us through our memories.

On behalf of the Class of 2015, this poem is dedicated to our hero.

Cam,

I wish it did not turn out this way;

For it has been almost five years since God decided to take you home to stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest;

God broke our hearts that day in order to prove to us that he only takes the best.

I hope that you are enjoying life up there in Heaven;

Often, I think back to the time when you asked me what it would be like when we were seven.

In that moment, we had no clue;

As to the disheartening and tragic fact that I would only had seven more years left with you.

I guess that saying is spot on;

For only the good die young and the rest of us are left to pick up the pieces and move on.

However, that will never be the case;

Because a handsome face like yours, it can never be erased.

The memories we shared together are still intact;

I will never forget times we made smoothies together and you added a little bit of lemon extract.

There was never a dull moment walking to the bus stop each morning;

For you always had a smile 'ole grin on your face, even when it was downright pouring.

Your smile was contagious, and your laughter filled the air;

When you chewed on your fingernails in class, I could not help but stare.

You had the neatest handwriting that I had ever seen;

Boys who took legible notes in sixth grade - there were far and few between.

You were the Buzz Lightyear to my Andy;

Whereas girls in our class thought of you as the Danny Zuko to their Sandy.

You had the best sense of humor and were never ashamed to snort;

For I remember you did that one time I walked into art and you called me out for being so short.

Even during gym class, when we lost a game;

Your positivity was exuberant and always stayed the same.

Not a day goes by where I do not think about you;

A classmate, a friend, a son, and a teammate - just to name a few.

Late at night, before I rest my head;

I like to think that you somewhere out there watching over my bed.

You are my guardian angel, my blessing in disguise;

For you give me the strength to do things that I would not do otherwise.

Cameron, you were a special friend;

a strong fighter right until the end.

You may be gone from my life but not from my heart;

I'll keep you there always like I have from the start.

Five years may have come and gone;

but to this day, you are still my number one.

I know we will meet again up in the sky, so until then, this is just a temporary goodbye;

Fly high, Cam, fly high.

Love always,

The Liberty High School Class of 2015