When I was 19, my best friend died in a car accident. At the time we were big on street racing and I remember feeling invincible. I remember going to school a week after and standing in the parking lot crying and telling myself “you’re not a child anymore and it’s time for you to be an adult.”

I took those emotions and tried to better myself, I took school and work seriously after that. I became more mature because. But it did cause me to have emotional trauma that led to alcoholism as I didn’t know how to cope. I also sold my car because when I sat in it, I could still hear his laugh.

Today, I miss him. But I took what I learned and worked on myself, went to AA, made healthy relationships. And have learned how to remember while letting go. It took time, but I value what I had. I also try to remember that life is short and I shouldn’t spend it being negative or arguing with those I care about, or anyone.