Everyone can say they have, at some point in their lives, been faced with certain unfortunate events. When these events happen, our normal every day routines suddenly change course.

About five years ago, I was a freshman in high school. While being a three-sport athlete, maintaining a very good GPA and just being an everyday kid, I had to face the harsh reality of my grandfather passing away.

My grandpa was an incredible man and one who worked very hard during his lifetime while giving all of his heart to the many people in his life. From the time I heard about his illness, to visiting him in the hospital and then hearing of his death, my life suddenly felt very unstable.

I didn’t know how I was supposed to deal with everything while also trying to go on like I normally would every day. 

I never wanted to face anything like that again.

Unluckily, a similar event occurred on Thursday March 21. I can honestly say that the last two to three weeks have been very upsetting. My Uncle Larry was diagnosed with cancer that had spread throughout his body. I went and visited him in the hospital once before he decided he didn’t want to go through chemotherapy anymore. The second and third time I visited him everything was different. My uncle, like my grandfather, was such an inspirational man. Every person he encountered had nothing but positive things to say about him. Another inspirational thing about my uncle was that he decided to be an organ donor. Anyone who decides to be an organ donor in my eyes has a lot of courage and someone I greatly look up to.

Since this sad event happened, my family and I have had to get through it the best we could. The best thing to know is that your friends and family are there for you every minute and I can personally say that was the case for me. To everyone who can relate, know that it is such a great feeling having people who care about you and will be there through all of life’s ups and downs.