I received a text while at work on Thursday. A text I never thought I’d receive. One quick clarification confirmed the death of a friend. Then I had to go back to work. Death is a funny thing. I don't mean funny like the normal dictionary definition -- I mean it's strange, weird and abnormal almost to the point of it being comical. It can happen to anyone at any moment, regardless of age, race, and gender. It’s cruel, vicious and unwanted. Death doesn’t take into consideration the person it’s taking and it affects everyone.

I was affected by death and its profound impact with the loss of Big Steve. His death was sudden and unexpected. He was known around Dayton as Big Steve for his towering figure that stood at six feet 11 inches, but the smile that was permanently etched on his face is something no Dayton student will forget. He was young, healthy and at a prime time in his life. He was taken far too early and with no warning.

Events like these are difficult to understand and even more difficult to deal with. A big reason for this is because as humans, we like things to have answers, we like to understand the reasoning behind everything and anything. So when things happen that cannot be explained, feelings are left unresolved. They are left unanswered, and we are left wondering why? Why good people, who have an entire life ahead of them are gone, while others who throw their life away get to live. If you choose to believe in a higher power, then you believe that it is all part of God’s plan, but if you are like me and are unsure of what you believe in, then events like these leave you with unanswered questions and a sickening feeling in your stomach.

Death is not something you can get over quickly. It takes time, time to grieve, time to understand and time to move on. This happens over years or maybe it never truly happens. It’s okay to grieve, to take time for yourself, but know that the people we’ve lost wouldn’t want us to stop our lives because of them, they’d want us to live.

It there’s one silver lining to these tragedies, it would be to remember that life is unexpected, it can end in an instant or go on for what seems like an entirely. The people in our lives help us to grow and become who we are supposed to be. Because life is so unexpected we must remember to not take it for granted, to live each day, to spend time with friends and family, to be happy. Don’t be hesitant to tell someone how you feel, spend time with the people that make you smile and laugh. Don’t let the fears you have keep you from living the life you want. Live the life you know the people you’ve lost would be proud to watch.

Big Steve will always be remembered, especially by the students of Dayton. He truly was one of a kind. During this hard time, please keep his family in your prayers. There is a gofundme set up for his family to cover the high expenses during this time.

Fly High #5