"Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many."

I found out a few days ago that one of the friends I had in Portland while I was growing up was killed in a helicopter crash during a training run. He was a pilot in the Coast Guard. My memory of him is that he was an absolutely hilarious individual, an athlete, a solid friend and genuine person. I hadn't seen him since I left Portland when I was 14, but he, like many of my other friends and classmates in elementary and middle school, will always be close to my heart. It's strange how it has been 11 years since I've spent time with him, yet knowing I will never have the chance to see him again, is heartbreaking. How can a 25 year-old die in a routine training flight? That is not fair. The deaths of individuals particularly before their time is heartbreaking. So many days ahead that he'll never see. So many memories and goals that will never be actualized. I feel sick. It has also been about a year since the passing of our close friend and neighbor, and I am still sick over that. I don't do well with accepting these deaths. I don't deal well with sadness; it overcomes me and makes me angry for the life taken that was not ready to go. I hate that with all the grief comes an appreciation for life, for the little things, for holding onto love and the good stuff wherever you may find it. Why do I have this chance, and they don't any longer? The point is, as is evident in so many of life's difficult "lessons," that this is your opportunity, your chance, your moment. Why would you ever live a life that makes you unhappy? Fear of failure? Fear of judgment? Would you be fulfilled if you died tomorrow? Could you say that you lived your life to its fullest? That you took advantage of those sunrises and beautiful moments that others never will have the privilege of experience? Stop waiting for life to happen. This is it.