Tragedy struck at my high school several weeks ago. Eighteen year old Jake M. passed away after being hit by a car. It was unbelievable how something so devastatingly tragic could happen so unexpectedly, and our entire community was shaken up by his death. His family had to bury him two days before Christmas on his younger brother's birthday. He was one of the fun-loving kids I've ever known and could make anyone laugh, and its clear that he lived every day to its fullest. He made the most of his life, but it was taken away entirely too soon. An athlete, an honors student, and one of the funniest kids I've known, Jake made an impression on everyone in our town and he will never be forgotten. I wrote this poem because it was the best way I think of to honor his memory and to help me deal with the shock of such an unexpected and unnecessary loss.