How many times have YOU cheated death?

       As teens continue to fight and debate about the importance of employment and other societal issues, other positive aspects of life have been falling on the weight side... hence life itsself. Many of us wake up and continue on with our day as if its expected to happen. Though, what happens on those days when a beloved mother is "expecting" her som/daughter to wake up, and they dont...

     Just last weekend, May 29 2011, I lost a good friend named David Killackey. This teen was only 18 and I know for a fact I expected to see and or hear from him that Tuesday when we returned to school. It was as if I wanted the world to stop, I wanted eveyone to pause and take a moment to realize just how many times we all have cheated death. This time David didn't. I sat in my 8th period class crying, waiting for him to walk through the door... but he never did.  I stood by his locker, waiting for him to walk up and say, "Aye girl. Chill." But he never did. I sat in his funeral, waiting for him to walk through and say, "Why are all y'all crying... I'm right here." But he didn't.

     When death comes, the first initial reaction is to blame someone and or something. This person was too young to die, and he didn't deserve it. He had a life ahead of him, right? So many things he could have, should have, would have, maybe even wanted to accomplish... Yet, he never got the chance too. Doesn't that make you kind of bitter?

      Although the mourning this week was impeccable, I took a different stand point on this. For the Death of David Killackey wasn't just something to mourn, we should be celebrating his life.

    At his funeral I came close to people whom I never knew, whom I lost contact with, whom I had disagreements with... It was beautiful. I heard teens vow to stop doing drugs because they saw exactly how precious life was. Though this young man was very young indeed, he changed so many people. Including myself. My tears as well as the congregations tears went from sorrow, to remorse, to joy. When you lose something as precious as a life, it is okay to be angry. Though you should be glad! They have left their mark in everyone whom was around. Everything happens for a reason, even if you dont understand it now. Pain helps you grow to be stronger and to be greatful for every day you open your eyes and cheat death just one more time...

In memory of David Killackey

May 14, 1993-May29, 2011