It's hard when tragedy strikes a small community. Even if you don't know those affected personally, you probably know of them or have had small conversations with them every once in awhile. Maybe you saw them in the halls, at the gas station or at various sporting events. Your heart aches for all those who are extremely affected by the tragedy and for your community as a whole as you struggle to make it through the tough time. Especially when that tough time is a sudden death of somebody who was too young.

For me, that tragedy struck just Friday night. I woke up Saturday morning to texts and was instantly hit with the feeling of "How could this have happened?" I did not know him well, but it still hurts. Sure, I had talked to him before- a small "hi" as we passed in the halls through high school. I would see him at sporting events or just out in town. But that was the extent of my interactions with him. Yet my heart still aches for his family and his friends and those back home as they go through this tough time.Why does it still hurt so bad?

It hurts because you see the pain of his friends, both when you go home and when you check social media. It hurts because you know that, no matter where life leads you, your path will never cross with his again. It hurts because someone who was a part of your small community, who shared similar experiences with you, isn't there anymore to talk about those experiences with. It hurts because they were too young and they definitely did not deserve to go so soon; they had so much more life to live and so many other lives to touch.

He knew how to make anyone smile, and that is one thing people will miss most,especially in today's society where there is not always much to smile about. He could light up a room just by walking in and cracking a joke. He knew how to have fun and how to make you laugh. Most of all, he was a good friend to many and had their back. That's what makes it so hard. My heart and the hearts of many others ache for those friends and family. I cannot imagine how hard this must be for you to go through.

Tragedies bring small communities close. They bring friends closer. They help us understand that life is too short and we need to make the best of all that we have. Never take for granted those who are close to you; never take for granted the memories you have made. Because one day that might be all you have left, and it can hurt so bad. Be thankful that you come from a small community where people understand and are always there to talk to. Use those people around you; they may become your best comforter during this tough situation. That's what small communities do: they look out for each other no matter what. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by such terrible tragedies. Rest easy, bud — we hope to see you again one day.