I learned many things In my youth. At least I think I did. Sure some of the basics stuck, like washing my hands before eating and wearing clean underwear. Yet, I’m certain I’ve lost many through the years to new information and contrary experience. Those lessons are gone. But, as I attended my thirtieth high school reunion this past week, I realize some are forever branded to my soul.
I was not a popular kid in school. I was in band and Boy Scouts. I got shoes from Payless. I played D&D. My network of friends consisted of three amigos: Dustin, Chad, and Jeremy. They taught me the value of friendship, of sticking when things get sticky, of sharing exploits, of breaking the rules, and taking chances. They were my crew.
My parents pushed me beyond my comfort zone (thank God). They put me in soccer and football. Through these teams I met a kid named Jon. Jon wasn’t like me. He was popular, a gifted athlete with a winning smile. He was cool. From grade school to high school, he was cool.
Then some drunk killed him.
And his sister.
A DUI took the life of two young sparks.
The lesson I learned was not don’t drink and drive (that should be a given). I learned to cherish, to embrace, to try, to step out because there’s no telling who or what is barreling down the road at you. In 1990 a brilliant artist from my high school named Mike Geiger painted a mural in one of the stairwells in commemoration of not just Jon’s death, but his sister’s and two others that were lost that year in a car accident. That mural still stands and, seeing it once more, still chokes me up.
The lessons of youth–the true, life searing, soul branding lessons–stay with us. Embrace them. Cherish them. Celebrate them.
Live them.
You don’t know what lies ahead.
