Valerie

I have a sad story to tell, and I really want to tell some people who might not have a pre-judgement on the person its about so here it goes................

I'm a senior and my graduating class has not had a death in it until yesterday (12/20/01) I got to school around 10:00 (when I start class) and my friend Lilly was out on the front steps bawling her eyes out, and I ran up and asked her what was wrong, and she broke me the news, not very suttle might I add. She said "Joe hung himself last night," and then she just walked away. I was in shock because Joe was one of the happiest people I knew. He always had something positive to say and a smile for any one in need. So I didn't really believe her, until I got in to the school and our 4th period teacher read us a little letter about how there were things in the Library to sign for his parents. Then I cried! I had just talked to him the day before, we were talking about having a joint birthday party, because his birthday was on the 12th and mine was on the 19th. My sixth period class was the hardest because that was the class I had with him. He sat right next to me, so seeing his empty desk made me break down.

When some one close to you dies like that, you have to ask why. There may not be an answer but we always ask why. Well my close friends and I talked about it, and we figure Joe was just in to deep. He was the kind of kid who never wanted to hurt anyone, and he had been in a lot of trouble lately and I think he just felt as though he was burdening his parents and stuff.

I know my story isn't very thorough, but I had more to say and I lost it. I just want everyone here to know that nothing can be bad enough to leave this world before your time. Always wait to find the brighter side. I wish Joe had have done this. Because I love him so much and I will miss him a ton! I don't want anyone else to feel the same way I do! So please please please talk to someone! Thank you for reading this!