January 5, 2011

Today my school made national news.

Today a principal and vice principal at my school were shot.

Today my vice principal died of her casualties.

Today I felt upset.

Today I felt sick.

Today I was scared.

Today was a wake up call.

Today was a nightmare.

Today was stressful, today was unexpected.

Today made us realize what we don't want to.

Today I will not forget. Sitting and waiting in my classroom for two hours; watching the news. I can't forget walking out of Millard South over to the church parking lot. Looking out over that sea of faces. Classmates. Parents. Police. The eerie silence and the chilly winter air. I think everyone got a rude awakening today.

Today I learned never to take anything for granted. Today I know that I have to realize my life can be puffed out in an instant. There's no time for hate, arguments, grudges, and hoarding past hurts. Why do it? It's no help to you. It only eats you up inside.

Anything can happen, and life is short. So don't spend it in apathy, don't spend it feeling bad for yourself, gosh dangit, just don't waste it. It's beautiful and precious and you have a purpose. Enjoy it!!! Don't spend a day where you're not just grateful and happy to be alive. Don't sit around and wait for something like this to happen to wake you up. Take control of what you can- situations aside- and be the person you've always wanted to be. Life WILL throw you swerves. But you decide your actions. Remember today and let it inspire you. Live the life you're meant to.

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." -Jesus



-Emily