Charger Opinion

Losing a friend will never be easy

Laura Denton, Charger Staff

These last few weeks have been difficult for me. I’ve been fortunate never to have had much experience with death before. Now I’ve lost a friend, Perry Johnson. He may not have been my closest friend, but he was a friend nonetheless. I met him in the 8th grade at Avery Trace. We had American History together. He sat behind me and we talked every day. At some point that year, he developed a crush on me. He wrote me several love-letters,which I still have. Even though I didn’t reciprocate those feelings, I was flattered.

Just last semester, Perry and I had newspaper together. He was always happy to go run errands or take on any job that was asked of him. I don’t ever recall seeing Perry in a bad mood, nor did I ever hear him say a mean word to anyone. He was one of the most genuinely kind people I have ever known.

It was Sunday when I heard about the wreck. My friend Sarah Hayes called me and told me. I couldn’t believe that he was dead. That couldn’t be. People our age don’t die... do they?

Monday, I was mad. Tuesday, mad. Wednesday, still mad. Why did this happen? Why to him? Why one of the kindest, sweetest individuals at our school? He was only 18. Just 18. He never had a chance to really live. It’s not fair. I don’t think I’ll ever stop being mad.

I went to the funeral and visitation. I cried and cried... I saw his parents and his sister. I couldn’t imagine how they must feel. I think I feel the most sorry for Kyle. I hope he doesn’t blame himself, because it’s nobody’s fault.

If there is one thing I have learned from this, it’s to appreciate life. At the end of the day I look around at my friends and classmates and wonder whether or not I’ll see them again. I try to treat people like maybe I won’t. Somehow, I feel fragile, more vulnerable than before. I guess you never know what could happen. Life can change in an instant.

Looking back, I wish I’d known him better. I wish I’d taken the time to tell him what a great person he was. But I didn’t. So I’m telling him now. Goodbye Perry. I’ll miss you.