Never Forgotten

I got back from Texas on Sunday and it is wonderful to be back in the CO. Its freezing, but sunny, so I'm happy.
Monday I went for my first run in such a long time. I did my favorite loop, up through my 'hood and around Clement Park Lake. Although, I didn't make it all the way around because I decided to go visit the Columbine Memorial. For those of you who don't know, I was a sophomore at Columbine High School in April of 1999 when 2 of our classmates killed 12 students, a teacher and then themselves. It was a horrible tragedy and a day that is always somewhere in the back of my mind. I believe I am stronger because of it and it made me appreciate my family, friends, God and life a lot more. Anyway... the memorial was completed last spring I believe, but with all the traveling I have been unable to get up and see it. Monday was the perfect day for it. Clear blue skies, no one else there, completely silent except for the geese overhead. I took of my ipod and walked around reading the quotes and memories from students, teachers, Bill Clinton, etc. that are on the outside ring wall. Some of them were sad, talked about a loss of innocence. Some were inspiring and talked about the gaining of strength. In the inner circle there were the names of the 13 slain with a paragraph either written about them by their family, or something taken from their journal or a poem. It was sad, beautiful, and emotional. When I got to Matt's, I cried so hard for my brilliant friend. I read all the writings and then went back to Matt's and laid my hands on the warm surface and just talked to him. Thanked him for being my Earth Science partner freshman year because you know I wouldn't have passed without him. Talked to him about our crazy 6th grade teachers and wondering what they are doing now. Told him I missed him but I know he's in a better place. I hope they have a good football team in Heaven. The memorial for me was another reminder to fulfill the promise I made to myself almost 9 years ago. To live my life to the fullest and to the best of my abilities because these 13 innocent people cannot. Their lives were cut short before they could go out and make a difference in the world. We can't change that. But each of us who were at the school that day, or consider ourselves a member of the Columbine community, or anybody who wants to can make the conscious effort to be a better person and make a difference because these kids and this amazing teacher were not able to continue doing so.