What is life?

[JohnKleeb]

Life is so precious and we never know when we will depart from this fine earth. It seems like you're here one minute and the next minute you're gone. Just a few moments ago I found out that a guy I gradated from high school with not even a year ago died last week. It certainly is a surreal feeling since I spent most of the last week taking care of my mom's father while he recovered from illness.

[KitchenWitch]

1. I am sorry!

:hug:

You are young and have not had to face your own mortality yet. I was very young (22) when I had to face mine by being diagnosed with cancer. At the time it really sucked (not just the treatments - but the whole "I could die" thing was a real downer). Now I realize what a gift every day is. I always say every day above ground is a good day, even if I don't always believe it.

:hug:

[JohnKleeb]

2. Thank you

It struck a personal chord with me since not only did I know him but had classes with him Senior Year and at the ocmmunity ocllege as recently as last semster.

[KitchenWitch]

6. When I was 17

And still in high school, one of the girls I used to run with was murdered by her boyfriend in the woods behind our high school. That was very frightening. The woods are gone (and a housing development is in its place, I often wonder if they built a house on top of where Jilleen died).

:cry:

[JohnKleeb]

8. That's terrible

One minute you're here, then you're gone.

[progmom]

3. Aw shit, John

I'm sorry for that. :hug:

It does give one perspective, doesn't it?

[JohnKleeb]

5. Thanks

Yeah it does. It hasn't even been a year since we graduated. Damnit, he had his whole life ahead of him. It reminds me of what happened to another guy I knew the summer we went in to 10th grade.

[ScreamingMeemie]

4. It is today. Right this moment.

Because that's all we have really. I learned that the hard way last year...and I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this.


Love,
Laura

[JohnKleeb]

7. I remember history class from last year

God that class was so great. So weird to think that not even a year after we left that class that one of us would be gone.

[ScreamingMeemie]

9. It's really crazy.

My boyfriend in high school committed suicide senior year. Everyonce in awhile I think back and realize that I have gone forward, aged, changed...as has my husband and all of our friends from school...and yet, he remains the same. It is a heartbreaking realization. Sometimes I wish time would stand still and spare us that type of hurt. :hug:

[JohnKleeb]

10. suicide I know about that too

I am sorry that hpapened.

[ScreamingMeemie]

11. It's happened twice in my life. He and my father in law.

You never really get closure on it...you just move on.

But, you have a long life ahead of you JohnKleeb. You will do great things. Remember that.

[JohnKleeb]

12. Yep

Life will go on but I just think that he'll never be able to grow old and tell his kids or grandkids about high school.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

13. My dear John.....

Life is indeed precious, and we do take it for granted.......

I am so sorry to hear about your friend's death.....he died way too young.

Here's a little poem that might help you .....

"Look to this day,
For it is life,
The very life of life,

In its brief course lie all the realities and verities of existence,
The bliss of growth,
The splendor of action,
The glory of power--

For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision,

But today, well lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to this day."

From the Sanskrit.

:hug:

[JohnKleeb]

14. Thank you

I feel like I've seen too much sorrow for my age. I am not even 19 yet and I've seen too much tragedy.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. You're welcome.....

I agree, you have seen too much tragedy, my dear John....

But all you can do is absorb it, and go forward as best you can.....

:hug:

[JohnKleeb]

17. I'll be ok

Just amazed really about all the sad stuff I've witnessed the past five years.

[WCGreen]

16. Having come face to face with the grim reaper just recently...

I realize how important each day is...

I try to do my best...

Improve my mind...

And make the most out of my time...

[JohnKleeb]

18. Ain't that the truth

Make the most of what we got.

[tigereye]

19. that's upsetting John

it's really hard to see anyone die, but esp. young people with their whole lives ahead of them.

Life is very precious and at times fleeting. It's hard to understand.

[JohnKleeb]

20. Yeah it is

Interesting thing was that I found about it when I was talking to my dad about Ben Roethlisberger's accident he had today. I wish that they both could have made it out ok. Life is so cruel sometimes that you want to question everything.

[tigereye]

21. I really think that the secret is enjoying the beauty of life despite

how unfair and cruel it can seem sometimes. This much I have learned in my nearly 48 years on the planet.

[JohnKleeb]

22. I guess so

It's kind of the same reason why I still believe in the allmighty. Allow me to eloborate. Even though I see and hear about the cruel acts of mankind, what moves me everytime is the selflessness of people.