I still remember the day. I had just walked into the apartment and was heading for my bedroom when I heard the phone ring. I had almost missed the call, but I ran to the living room to answer it. I grabbed the phone off the hook and said hello.

What I received on the other end would change my life forever.

At first, I heard no voice. Then, an older gentleman came across the line. His voice sounded like marbles. He said to me, "I'm sorry to tell you, but your dear friend Shayne has passed away." I remember the phone making the loudest crash sound, even on the carpet. I collapsed into one piece on the floor. I couldn't cry, I couldn't scream, I was just numb. I felt a pain deep inside I had never felt.

I was only 12 years old when I received the phone call. Shayne was only 13 when he passed. He was 2 minutes away from his house, skateboarding home, when he was hit by a drunk driver. It's been almost seven years since the accident, and I still think of it to this day. I remember the skate park ramps being painted purple in his honor. A memorial set up by the accident spot.

When the day of his funeral came, the only thing that I showed was tears. I was screaming and in denial. All I could do was lay in bed and cry, constantly ask why him. I didn’t want to leave my bed; not even to go to the funeral. Going to the funeral meant that I was saying goodbye for the last time…and I wasn’t ready for that. However, I managed to pick myself up and go. I needed to go, I needed the closure. No matter how bad it hurt, I needed to see Shayne one last time.

I was only 12 years old. The pain of losing someone so young will always stick with me. That will always be a part of me. Every chance you get to tell someone you love them, take it. Never let a day go by without saying I love you to your parents. Forgive someone, even you have to accept an apology you never got. And most of all, make every moment count.