Death

I remember the first time I saw the clear blue sky.

I remember the first time I saw a red rose.

I remember the first time I stood in the rain and felt the raindrops on my face.

But most of all, I remember the first time I felt the pain.

I remember the first time I saw the clear blue sky. There is not a day that goes by in my mind that I do not re-live that day. I was young and wild and thought I could conquer anything in the world that came by way. Little did I know at the time, this day I could not conquer and would haunt me for the rest of my life. The day was hot and sunny in Sand Diego, California, July 4. Linda used to love the ocean and swimming. The ocean was her tranquility. Swimming was her passion. Linda would float through the water, as if she was part of the water. Linda was a fast swimmer. I could never keep up with her speed in the serine water. Linda was always the over-achiever in the family. The medals and trophies proudly displayed in her room told the story. So, when Linda asked me to go with her to the ocean for a quick swim, I never thought twice about the drive to the ocean or the swim.

I remember the first time I saw a red rose. I woke up that July 4th hearing people mow their lawns. Families were getting ready for the holiday. I was so tired from the previous night. Linda and I had stayed up very late and talked all night, as if we were ten years old having a slumber party. We talked about everything from our childhood to our future dreams. That night before I closed my eyes, I told Linda I loved her with a smile on my face. She laughed and told me she loved me too. Those words had been mentioned only a few times between Linda and I. Morning came before I knew it. Linda came in my room and told me breakfast was ready. She was always the chef of the family.

Linda would always make a big breakfast for the family. She would always say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. How I long to hear those words again. If only I would have known that would be my last morning with Linda.

I remember the first time I stood in the rain and felt the raindrops on my face. That afternoon Linda called my name in the hallway of my mother's house. I laughed and said, "Please don't make me do the dishes!" Linda laughed and asked me if I would like to drive down to the beach with her for a quick swim. "Of course, "I said, "Let's go!" I knew Linda and I did not have much