From the early age of 2, I had always encountered death: my dad, my grandmother, my next door neighbor, my friend’s siblings, my coworkers and unfortunately many more. I was introduced to the concept, that God had decided it was his time with them, or that Heaven would be a better place for them. It was very simple to understand and when you’re young, as the accuracy of that is never questioned. The loss is mourned, and remembered but eventually life begins to move on. Many people get caught up in their busy lives of school, work or maintaining relationships getting lost in a mindless world.

While living in this routine life, many people forget that it takes one moment, one second, a loved one, to alter our lives forever. Life is taken for granted that every day is given to us, however each day is a gift to spend with loved ones.

Last week, I and many others lost someone very close to us: A friend, a teammate, a coworker, a brother, a son. I have spent every night wide awake, asking myself why you? Why so soon? I still haven’t coped with finding an answer, but have been coping with the concept that you will be watching over all of us.

As young adults, its hard to understand that we truly aren’t as invincible as we thought, or that in a blink of an eye our lives along with those around us can be changed forever. Its hard to understand the idea to love those around you every chance you get, when you’re tangled in your busy life, but its even harder to understand when they are gone.

Life does go on, however the impact passed loved ones make hold within us forever. Every high school football game, every time I heard “Sling Dinged” or “Wayoo,” every missed birthday, 50 cent song, black and mild or banga you will be remembered. Although physically the loved one is not there, the memories shared can never be taken away.

Each day has been a little easier than the day before with coping with this tragedy but that doesn’t mean it makes the pain go away. There won’t be anything in this world that will make this pain go away. At the end of the day I am thankful for my friends, family, teachers and parents for being supportive of everyone going through this tough time. Always in our prayers, rest in the sweetest peace, Stump. 06/10/16