In Memory Of Shalanda

It's been a little more than 13 years (13 years and 5 days to be exact) since I last saw Shalanda. Not because I didn't want to see her again; more so because that's how life played out. I spent the summer having fun in the city then headed down to Baltimore to start life as a college student. She spent the summer in the city as well, then went back to continuing her life as a college student down in Virginia. The next time I had even thought about asking about her, she had been dead for three years; victim of a car accident on I-95. Gone too soon.

This is just one of many events in my life that have reminded me that life is short. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us, which is why I live my life to the fullest every chance I get. I have lived by the "no regrets, no apologies" motto for a while now with the idea that if I don't wake up tomorrow, I know that I have lived a hell of a life. At the same time, every day I wake up, be thankful and make the most of it.

Shalanda's closest friends created a facebook group in her memory and today, we received a message reminding us that today is the day that her parents set aside to honor her memory. We were all asked to something special as a tribute to her and I'm asking all of you to go out and do one of the following as a tribute to someone in your life who you lost way too soon:

*****Post a story about someone close to you that you've lost

*****Release a ballon into the air

*****Buy a white or yellow rose and give it to someone you care about

*****Plant a flower

*****Call a relative of someone you've lost and let them know that you still think about them.

*****Mentor a child

*****Call or e-mail someone you haven't spoken to in awhile

*****Post your favorite inspirational quote

*****Do something crazy

If you decide to participate, I'd love to know about it. I thank you in advance, as does Shalanda and those who's memory you keep alive.