was completely oblivious to it. As far as I was concerned, everyone in my family was immortal. I always thought that my
relatives and I would see the end of time together. Death was foreign to me until that fateful autumn day when reality
gave me a good smack in the face.
The school year had been fairly normal so far. I was a senior, so that was reason enough to be happy. My friends and I
were living the good life; we attended parties, dances, and special senior activities. Graduation seemed closer than ever
before. But being a senior could not take away some of the typical school boredom. My parents planned a trip for the
whole family to Bennett Springs State Park. Reluctantly, I agreed to go.
But on October 18, just as I finished packing, my mom received a phone call that would change my family's life forever.
Aunt Mary phoned us from Saint Louis to tell us that Uncle Richard was dead. He had died that day outside his car in
the driveway, she said. By the time she called the paramedics, it was too late. My aunt knew he was gone, but she
didn't want to believe it just yet. My aunt and uncle had only been married for about seven years and I guess she felt
cheated.
Dreariness hung over the family like a rain cloud for the next couple of weeks. Plans for the funeral were made, cards
mailed, and oceans of tears shed. However, through all the pain and suffering I saw a silver lining: my uncle, who had
been physically challenged all of his life, was in a place where there were no limitations on him. I was content with the
fact that his death was quiet and painless. But as the wake drew closer, my feelings began to change. Sadness and snge
r began to sweep over me like tidal waves. My anger was focused mainly at God for taking my uncle in the prime of his
life at fifty-two. To this day I have not forgiven Him.
The wake further opened my eyes. In all my life I could never have dreamed that my uncle touched so many lives. But
as I talked and ate with friends and family, I realized just how many people he had touched by his actions and words.
Later at my Aunt Julie's house the immediate family attended a party. Everyone was socializing. Food was eaten,
laughter was abundant, and maybe even a few tears were shed though the family had come to this party to celebrate my
uncle's life, not to mourn it. As the hours wore on, my mind began to wonder who would be next. Would it be Uncle
Tom, Aunt Kathy, or perhaps my own mother? Or would God hurt my family again by taking my brother or sisters from
this earth as He took my uncle from my mother and his wife?
No one knows the mind of God. I do know that age is not everything. Never again will I take for granted what I have.
Now I know that I am not immortal. I will not let life pass me by. I will never be to busy to stop and smell the roses
sometimes.
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