Too Young, Too Soon

It's 11:30. I just logged off facebook with tears in my eyes. In the fall of 2010 an old student of mine passed away. She had just graduated and was planning on becoming a carpenter. She hadn't even turned 18 and had her whole life ahead of her - or so we thought. I will never forget that facebook status: "Meg, you won't answer my text. They are telling me that you were in that accident…oh, god please don't let this be true!" And the response that hit hard - my heart still crawls up into my throat: "dude, I think she's gone." That was the first time that I lost a student. She was a good student, a good person, and a good friend. I had lost friends before, but never a student. It's horrible, and I don't wish it upon anyone. It's kind of like losing a son, daughter, or younger sibling - someone who is supposed to outlive you but for some reason you can't comprehend, doesn't.

It was her birthday last month. Just a few moments ago I saw someone had written on her wall. I clicked on the link and a flood of memories washed over me. People still write on her wall on a regular basis. It's actually kind of odd. It's almost like we are all unwilling to let her go.

As most of you know, another student of mine passed away recently. He committed suicide. It is the first time I have ever dealt with suicide on such a personal level. He was also someone who I held close. They are not the only two students that I have known to pass before their time - but they are two that I will certainly not forget.

This is my 5th year of teaching. What is wrong with this picture? Does it make a difference that I taught at a school whose student population faces dramatic life challenges everyday? Perhaps, but probably not. Car accidents can happen to anyone. Suicide is also not discriminatory. I write this to remember them. To remind everyone that life is short. Seriously, it is - and sometimes it is much shorter than we would like. Leave nothing unfinished. Leave nothing unsaid. That friend or family member that has made a difference in your life, that person you love - tell them. If someone needs a person to lean on, be there for them. If an opportunity come up - seize it. I know it sounds corny - but there's no way of knowing if you'll get another chance.

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