It's always too soon

When someone dies, it's always too soon.

It's only February, and, twice this year, I've been reminded of this fact. It doesn't matter if the person was sick, you're never ready for someone else's death.

Today, sitting at a conference with some students, I was looking on Twitter and saw a flurry of RIP messages. Someone in a fraternity had died...and then I recognized which fraternity, then the chapter...and then the name. My heart dropped and I felt sick to my stomach. I left the dining room gagging. I literally couldn't find the air.

There are genuinely nice people in this world. Jason was the kind of person I didn't see often, but when I did, he always had a joke and a good conversation. I genuinely enjoyed being around him. I remember I met him maybe a month after I crossed at a charity fundraising event---by the end he was horsing around with me and my linesisters like we were friends for years. Some people are just like that.

Not too long ago, maybe a week now, he commented on my facebook status, and I was happy to see his name. I told him (jokingly) how upset I was that he was on my campus and didn't come see me. Now, I wish that I had engaged him more...instead of just letting it go. I just figured I'd see him at the next event and tease him about being in my hood...the way he would tease me when he caught me on his campus.

You don't have to be best friends with someone to be affected by their death. It's so important that we realize the impact that we can have on people. It's not about what you say to people, but how you make them feel. I can't tell you what we talked about, but I can tell you that I was always laughing or shaking my head and having fun with Jason.

Two things: tell people how great you think they are TODAY. Don't wait for the next event. You can't count on it.

Be aware of how you make people feel...it's how they remember you.

May God grant the Morales family peace and understanding. My love, sympathy, and prayers to his brotherhood, Phi Iota Alpha, and to all who knew him.

May God rest your soul, Jason.