There have been way too many teen deaths this year. I only barely knew one of them, knew of 2 others, and simply heard of at least 10 more my age who have died in the past year... and all I can say is stay safe.
A boy drunk driving without a seatbelt and killing himself in an avoidable crash is tragic... but 2 17/18 year old boys getting shot and killed....... it's too scary.

Don't play with fire, or you will get burnt

RIP Dilsher, Joseph, José, and every other teen who had to die during their grad year.


...moving along, my feature of the week is once again from my most recent watcher:
One Year
by `grubin
[link]

The lighting, colors and composition are fabulous, despite the slight grain. Kudos for an excellent outcome with no editing.



Tuesday, May 5, 09.

Since the tragic deaths of 2 grads at my school last thursday night, more misfortune has been coming to my school.
Basically 4 grads dead and gone just from one school... the grief is killing us.
I have never seen such a large group of people in such a broken situation... even the teachers are completely heartbroken.

On Monday, May 4, my friend hung himself. We don't know why... what on earth gave him the idea that his life wasn't worth living. He is the most amazing person I have ever met... so genuine and kind to absolutely everyone... and he was always a ball of bliss.
To hear that such a person would try to commit suicide... it's heartbreaking and completely unexpected.

After 10 minutes without oxygen, a person cannot avoid severe brain damage... and such as I have heard, it was 15-20 minutes before he was hooked up to a respirator and brought to the hospital... it has been just over 24 hours and he is already getting worse.

I have never lived through such a dark time... it's all so surreal.
Not even a week after Dilsher Gill and Joseph Randay were found murdered, another life is taken.

Kyle is in our prayers and we all hope for him to stay strong... most people are saying he will be there to walk across the stage with us at graduation... but that is obviously just wishful thinking.

Yesterday I cried for hours... before I knew what was going on (but after I had read his facebook suicide note) I was beside myself worrying... and right after I randomly ran into 2 classmates and they broke the news to me, I just broke down.
Today I'm holding up a little better. I'm more mellow than ever, and I can't cry... there's no fluid or energy left in me to start crying. But I am definitely out of it...
Today I tried to open the door of a completely random car in the parking lot... it took me about a minute to realize its not even the same brand as my car.

I have no idea what his family intends on doing... but my heart goes out to them... and to Kyle. He is such an amazing person and he will be truly missed by all.

At this point in time, my only wish is to go see him so I can say good-bye.

We love you, Kyle.