Today is a second chance, so take it

By Rikki McCormick
Poca High School

As teens, sometimes we forget that we aren’t invincible.

We believe that no matter what the risk, we will be OK. When the opposite happens, however, it brings a double dose of reality to all of us.

At Christmastime last year, my mind was filled with all the presents I was going to get and the excitement of seeing my long-distance relatives. I was busy making plans with my best friend, Alicia, to go spend whatever money I was going to receive, and calling my crush, Derek, to figure out our plans for winter formal.

I wasn’t worried that anything could happen to any of my other friends. I never thought that I wouldn’t see any of them again.

On Dec. 26, we went to my grandma’s house to eat. I came home and checked the answering machine, hoping that Derek or Alicia had called. Instead, there was a message for my dad from my uncle, who taught at my school. My uncle wanted my dad to call him as soon as he got home.

Like an obedient daughter, I went to give my dad the message. My dad said he had already talked to my uncle and that he had something to tell me. By the look in his eyes, I knew it couldn’t be good. He said that Heather had been in a car accident the night before and she had died that morning.

I started shaking and crying and losing control. Heather, my track buddy, was dead? That wasn’t supposed to happen to her. That wasn’t supposed to happen to me. She was only 15. I am only 16. I have already gone through one friend’s death. It’s not fair for me to go through another one!

Over the next couple of days, I grieved over what I couldn’t change. I had been a snob, saying not very nice things about Heather — the girl who was always there for me, who always smiled and who always gave 110 percent to whatever she did.

I grieved over the fact that I never had a chance to apologize. I grieved over the fact that I would never get to be at another track practice or track meet with her. I grieved over the fact that she was gone.

I couldn’t take back anything I had said or done, but I did make the decision never to let that happen again. I know I can’t predict the future or stop other tragedies from happening. I can, however, learn from that experience.

I will never put someone down or talk behind his or her back because it is “convenient.” I will never take any relationship for granted.

I will greet everyone with a smile. I will tell my friends and loved ones what they mean to me when I have the chance. Most important, though, I will take what Heather taught me and apply it to my life: “Never give up.”

No one knows what will happen tomorrow, next week, next month or next year. We should plan for the future, but live as though we might die today.

Please, as the school year winds down, don’t take anything or anyone for granted. Don’t let pride or stubbornness stand in the way of making things right with everyone. Learn from the lessons that others have learned the hard way.