Unexpected Loss of Time

It was a rainy Thursday morning when I was called into the principal’s office. I was a terrified sixth grader that had never been called to the principal’s office before. I sat across from my principal as she told me my horse riding instructor, Ms. Frances, had been killed the day before in a horrible accident. She was crossing the street to get her mail when she was hit by a car and killed instantly. She gave me a few minutes to gather myself before sending me back to my class. I was in shock and as I walked back into my first-period class puffy and red, I felt everyone’s eyes on me. I then had to go through the entire day of classes in a numb and shocked state. I was then filled with so much frustration, confusion, and sadness that such an amazing and genuinely good person could be taken so suddenly. 

Experiencing loss is never easy, and almost never happens in a way that you’re expecting. Experiencing significant loss for the first time can feel absolutely impossible to overcome. As hard as it was to lose someone so special and meaningful to me at a young age, I learned a very valuable lesson from it. I learned to never take time with loved ones for granted because anything can change in an instant. Once your time with someone is gone, you can never get it back. However, I also learned that once someone special is a part of your life, you carry them with you even once they’re gone. 

Although no one wants to experience loss, a lot can be learned from such a difficult experience. After losing Ms. Frances, as hard as it was, I’m thankful I learned to not take time for granted before I was old and it was too late. Before the accident, I didn’t realize or care how much time I spent cooped up alone in my room on my phone. I’m now more conscious of what I do with my time and who I to spend it with, trying to never take the time I have/had with the people I love for granted. This lesson has been especially relevant since beginning college and being away from my people.