If this year has taught us anything, it's that tomorrow is never promised. It may have just seemed like a cliché that we didn't take seriously, but look at all of the people whose friends and family expected to see them happy and healthy the next day and never got the chance.

When I saw an article about Juice Wrld's death on December 8th, I thought it was fake at first. Upon further fact-checking, I quickly realized that it was true. It was reported that he had a seizure, but so far, no official cause of death is released. He released a new album this year, performed at a variety of shows, and seemed to be gaining popularity, and just like that, a talented artist is dead. It's crazy how someone can be fine one minute, then gone within seconds.

Cameron Boyce's death was one of many that personally shocked me. He played a variety of roles, but I expected to see him star in so much more. It is heartbreaking to know that his career was short-lived and the world lost such a bright young man. I remember watching him on tv and essentially growing up with him- we are only a few years apart. At only 20 years old and seemingly healthy, it was surprising to everyone to hear of his passing. The public was later informed of his epilepsy diagnosis. This also shows how you never truly know what a person is going through. From the outside, Boyce appeared to be completely happy and healthy; little did most of us know, he had this neurological disorder.

Another celebrity that died unexpectedly this year was Nipsey Hussle. His assassination shocked fans and family, and it's devastating that his 3-year-old son has to grow up without a father. He made such an extraordinary contribution to the hip-hop world and will always be remembered.

Losing a loved one at any point is saddening, but when you are blindsided by death, it hits a little different. As the year comes to an end, I reflect on how much has changed this year and appreciate every little thing. I try not to hold grudges; I try to stay positive; I try to be better than I was the day before. We cannot choose the outcome or lengths of our lives, but we can choose to give it our all and live up to our fullest potential as these gifted stars did.