Death of my cousin - Personal story "Meet me at my house in ten minutes". » said my cousin Albert as he revved up the engine of his bike and rode away. So I reached into my pocket, grabbed my keys, walked into my house, and headed straight for the refrigerator. Looking for a quick fix, I pushed the milk to the side and grabbed some leftover chicken from the day before. After deciding how to prepare it, I put it in the microwave, slammed the door, and put it on high for 5 minutes. While waiting for the chicken to reheat, I changed my clothes and washed my face. Shortly after the microwave commercial, I went to the kitchen to eat yesterday's food. When I was finished, I brushed my teeth, grabbed my jacket and headed out. I jumped in my car and drove off to meet my cousin. Along the way, I reflected on my life and how much fun I'm having. I drove to his house and found it strange that he or his bike were not there. I waited and waited. Five minutes passed, then ten. I started to worry so I knocked on the door but there was no answer. I didn't think much about it. I figured he probably went to the local store before going home. I got back in my car and took the usual route to the local grocery store. I never got there. My ride was interrupted by a wall of ambulances and the yellow police line doesn't cross the tape. And in that moment, I knew my life would never be the same again. It's now been about 12 months since his death, but these wounds are far too deep for time to heal. Things aren't supposed to be this way, not at this age. At times like this, we start to see life in a different way. It is no longer something that goes without saying. After this incident, I realized that life was no longer a game. So I was about to get comfortable. I found that I was taking things more slowly and more surely. Instead of being adventurous and taking risks. Another thing I realized is that I can't stop living. Moving forward is the only direction I want to go. I now focus on my priorities and set goals. Applications started filling out and I thought it was time to take school a little more seriously..