On December 2, 2002, I came to a brutal awakening that life was a gift from God and that we should never take it for granted. Why? Simply because on this terrible day I lost a dear friend who had been a very important part of my life. Carolyn left this world on December 2, 2002 and left those of us who loved her full of confusion, pain, anger, and yes, even selfishness. I never said good-bye to her and she never knew exactly how much she meant to me and how much I loved her, and will always love her. Many of you may be wondering what this has to do with all of you. Well, it's simple. If you are reading this, no matter where you are, you are someone who has touched my life, you are my friend, and I love you. I am the first to admit that at times I have taken my friendships with you all for granted, but I have made a promise to myself, God, Carolyn, and now to you that I will never take any of you for granted. I love you! The day Carolyn died is a day that will never be forgotten, never. That day not only did I loose someone I really loved, but on that day I opened my eyes and realized how I am living my life. I guess the next thing to do would be to thank you all for always being there for me. None of you have ever let me down and I thank you. Whenever I have needed you, you have been there. Please, never feel that you can't talk to me about anything. I may not always know how to help but I can promise that I will try my best. I didn't get to tell Carolyn this, and perhaps, had I told her how much I loved her, maybe, just maybe, I could have helped her and she would still be with us today. There is someone reading this who also knew and loved Carolyn, and you know who you are. To you I say, don't ever forget Carolyn Crawford. She will always be with us and we have no choice but to try and move on with our lives. These last few months have been the longest and hardest of my life. To those of you who didn't have the pleasure of meeting Carolyn, please learn from my experience and pain. Don't take you friends, or anyone you love for that matter, for granted. Treasure every moment you have with them and make sure they know that they can count on you. For me, it is time for me to try and move on. If any of you have lost a loved one, you know how hard it is, so I ask that you pray for those of us who Carolyn left behind. Pray that her friends, and family, may find the peace we need to continue living, without ever forgetting Carolyn. Carolyn sought peace and I hope she has found it. I ask you who do know the cause of Carolyn's death to not take it lightly and to not believe that it is the easiest way out - because it's not! I know I have said this a million times already but I dont think I can stress it enough, don't take those you love for granted. You never know when your day of awakening will come. Hopefully, the day you read this will be your day. I only wish that I could have been awakened by something other than pain and suffering. I wish someone had told me what I am telling you today. Not saying good-bye to someone who is gone forever is the worst feeling I will ever experience.