Written with permission of the author and my friend as a tribute to her daugher's fourteen year old friend who was taken from this life in a motocross race in Alabama last weekend. I am honored to be able to share this.

Life is often taken for granted. This is what I think
about as I look around me; hundreds of women, men,
children waiting for that one last look of a beloved young man.
His life cut short too early I know.

Why, why did this have to happen to someone so young. So full of life, desires, passion for his sport;doing what he loved and knew was his destiny. I stand in line looking into my daughter’s eyes seeing them well up knowing she is missing her friend who she has known for almost forever in her world.

I wanted to take the pain away and not knowing what to do, I reached down and grabbed her hand and just smiled at her as I whisper in her ear. I LOVE YOU.

I love you comes out of our mouths so easy sometimes but this given moment I know I must say these words because my world could be over in a minute. However, I look around; the parents... two people torn apart by one split second are laughing, comforting others while they are the ones who just lost their son.

God has a plan for all of us I know, but why? The only thing I can say is God bless you to them and they smile and say thank you. He was a blessing and died doing what he loved. So the next time you say why just remember to always say. I LOVE YOU. The three little words that mean

EVERYTHING.

Melissa