Life is precious

I know, I know. Everybody knows that.
But do we?

Today I had the unfortunate duty of covering a funeral. It was for a 17-year-old girl, Amanda, who died in a bad car accident. She and her boyfriend, who was driving, were hit by an 18-wheeler. Her boyfriend survived. She did not.

As I stood in the back of the church, listening to the service, surrounded by her grieving family and friends, I realized that that could have easily been me. How many times had I gotten a ride from a friend or boyfriend that could have been my last? How many times have I been behind the wheel, not paying attention?

I think we always believe "That can never happen to me."
But ask Amanda. It can.

Though I hated it, I guess it was a good reminder of all those cliches about life we tend to ignore:
We never know when it's our turn so don't put off tomorrow what you can do today.
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Life is precious.