As children, we were always too young to do something. I always remember hearing, “You’re too young.” Too young to ride a bike, too young to drive, too young to vote, too young to drink… And because there were so many boundries for young people, growing up was always a hasty desire of mine.

People, including myself, often try to cheat time by trying to reap the benefits of being older, when they are still young, by wearing more make up, driving without a license, or getting a fake ID to get into bars. But it was today, that I realized that we should all cherish being young, for one of the best things about being young, is that we are too young to die.

However, today was Jordan Crist’s wake. He was 19.

Perhaps it was seeing so many people from my graduating class dressed in dark, somber colors, lined up at the funeral home; or maybe it was watching them cry. Maybe it was meeting Jordan’s loving family, or it was receiving that big hug from his mom. But the moment I saw Jordan in that casket, I finally realized that Jordan was really gone. The entire experience just better confirmed the idea that I would never, ever wish death upon anyone. We are far too young.

I didn’t know him all that well in middle school, or high school, but I do vividly remember his genuine enthusiasm and energetic zeal. In short, he was a really funny, silly, and an extremely nice guy. His authentic passion for life will unquestionably be missed.

Rest In Peace, Jordan.