Missing

And the bad news keeps on coming. One of my classmates was killed Friday night. I still can’t believe it. I really didn’t know him all that well and the first time I’d seen him since freshman year of college was last summer at our class reunion, but it’s still such a shock. Okay, so that’s only four or five years (depending on the semester), but that’s still a long time. Anyway…It’s hard to imagine a more terrible way to die than being run off the road and watching a loved one die before your eyes. I don’t know who was shot first, but whoever went second…I don’t think I could handle that. I guess I just can’t understand what on Earth would possess someone to take two good people’s lives like that.

So I spent the better part of the weekend trying not to think about it. I didn’t hear about it till Saturday afternoon because apparently I’m too good to watch the news (sarcasm, folks). That’s the great thing about being from a small town: no matter how far away you move, the rumor mill will track you down and reel your butt back in. I heard the news from a friend who had heard it from another of our classmates who saw it on the news and then called her dad for more details. Then of course I called another friend/classmate and she called two more…The group I linked to above had 40 members yesterday, 88 this morning, and 164 the last time I checked. Bryce was a good guy and I can’t imagine what his family is going through. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and I can only hope that he is now at peace, in a place where such violence doesn’t exist. Rest in peace, Bryce. I’ll see you at that great big class reunion in the sky someday.

And now, a letter.

Dear Bryce,

I just wanted to let you know that the time we walked back to the dorm actually meant a lot to me. I don’t remember what we said, just that the conversation was a bit stilted, but I suppose that’s just because we didn’t know each other well. Still, it made me feel better just to talk to someone from home in a place where I didn’t know many people. I don’t think we talked at the reunion last summer, but I remember you and Travis breaking up the fight and I’m sure that whichever girl you helped (because I don’t remember which one it was anymore) appreciated your assistance.

I always felt like a midget standing next to you because good Lord were you tall! You were a big guy with a big heart (from what I hear) and I’m sure you’re a fine addition to the heavenly population. It’s a shame your visit to this world lasted so short a time.

Yours truly,

Kay

Okay, time to think about something a little less depressing. I’ve actually been thinking about this a lot today, and I still can’t believe that it’s really true.

Hmm…Something pleasant…Only 56 minutes left till magic time! Woo! I wanna go home now…