The Fainting Game

"People who think dying is the worst thing don't know a thing about life."- The Secret Life Of Bees

I love that book. And that quote.

It's completely true though, isn't it?

I guess I would know. I watched someone die. I was about 12, and I had just gotten back to our apartment with my mom. We decided to go outside, to the pool. When we got there, my moms former best friend was crying. Her eyes were bright red, swollen, and tear streaks were apparent. She told us that her friends son had drowned and asked us to drive her to the hospital, and of course, we agreed.
When we got there, I saw the mother of the four year old boy, along with his aunt and grandmother.
The doctors came out about half an hour later and told us he had passed. He told us that we could go into the room and say our farewells.
Now, take note, I wasn't familiar with this boy or his family. I barely new them. The memories are still a little foggy.
When we got into the room, I saw this little boy, but he didn't look dead, he looked like he was sleeping. Peaceful. That's when it shivered through me. He wasn't waking up.
I immediately began crying. Not because I new him. Not because he was family. Not because I was close with his family. But because he wouldn't ever get the chance to live his life. I cried like I had just lost my legs. I felt like the world was crashing around me. Like it was over.
And then his mother came over to me and patted me on the shoulder. She gave my hand a squeeze, and smiled slightly. This woman, whose son had just died, was comforting me. Of all the people in that tiny room, she was the one telling me it was okay to cry.
I kept crying. I think I cried for hours that night. But before we left, I remember thinking how she must have strength to comfort a little girl who doesn't know any better than to cry.
That night I witnessed what happens in the real world, I witnessed death, humanity, and strength. It's a memory I haven't been able to forget.

But it made me realize, death happens. We aren't invincible. Sometimes we think we are because the world hasn't touched us yet, but when it does, you remember that the world isn't going to stop for you. That's why you have to keep going, and remain optimistic.

I don't know why my posts always have a moral, but it's usually because it's somewhat of a theme for me. Everyday I learn a new theme. And everyday I try to live it. I'm just a kid, and trying to get it out of my had that life isn't always this fogged up.

"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today."- James Dean