At sixteen I epitomized irresponsibility, laziness and carelessness. The sole purpose of my life was to have fun. And while living this sheltered life I was not aware of life's unexpected twists and turns, and one ordinary day, I was snapped to the real world.

On this day, I received a phone call that changed my life. The person on the other end was, my best friend, Sara's cousin Alia. She regretfully informed me of Sara's car accident and said that she was in critical condition. She instructed me to rush to the hospital. My instant reaction was denial. How could such a horrible thing happen to someone so young who has her entire life in front of her?

I was shaken out of my reserve when a few days later she died. At her funeral, I saw her lie, small and vulnerable, wonderful in life, peaceful in death. They always say that God takes the best first.

I had fought reality this far and it was only with the continuous support of my parents and friends I began to face the truth; I began to realize that death was one of the better truths of life. I realized that her death had changed me; I felt stronger and was learning to appreciate to love, to live. These vicissitudes of life have brought about a change in my attitude and outlook towards life. It has been almost three years since that dreadful day and even though today my heart still aches with her memory I know she is looking down on me, always.