Live Like You Were Dying

        “Someday I hope you get the chance, to live like you were dying”,

sings Tim McGraw, a country singer. This song reminds me of a young girl

named Shreya, who died several months ago from a type of

blood cancer called leukemia.

Shreya, a strong-willed eleven year old was diagnosed with leukemia about

a year and a half ago. She had been receiving chemotherapy since her diagnosis.

From the moment Shreya was informed of her disease, she made a promise to lead

 a full and happy life.

Shreya always assisted a friend in need. Anna, my cousin and Shreya’s very best friend,

has numerous friendship bracelets made by Shreya. I was touched seeing Shreya’s

effort to let Anna know that she would always be there for her friend, no matter

what happened. I suppose it’s hard for Anna to look at a bracelet now and know that.

there will never be another bracelet, or memory made. Anna holds these bracelets

 dear to her, because they were made with the love of a dying girl, and a great best

friend. Anna is comforted by remembering the laughs she and Shreya shared and the

 memories that will forever linger in her heart.

“There’s more to life than trying to survive”, sings Vanessa Carlton. Shreya proved to

her family that she was doing more than just surviving another day or week.

She would always make time for friends, and muster up the minuscule amount of

 energy she had left to show them that she cared for them, and would go on caring

 for them just as much if she passed away. She let the world know she wasn’t afraid

 of her fate because she made the best of her situation. Shreya has taught her

friends, family, and the people who learned her story to, “Live like you were dying”,

 as the song goes. By living life for the moment, you live to the fullest.

It was 8:10 in the morning when I was informed by my cousin of the dreadful news.

 Shreya had passed away late the night before. I could barely speak, I was shocked.

 The doctors had been optimistic and had hoped for Shreya’s recovery. No tears came

 to my eyes, not at first, at least. Although I knew there was a chance Shreya

wouldn’t survive, I assumed she would be one of the “lucky” ones.

Later in the day, this horrible reality hit me, like cold water in the face. The girl I

 wrote letters to would be there no longer. No more “You can do it”, or “We love you”.

 My eyes swelled with burning tears. I didn’t get to know Shreya as well as other

people, and yet I sobbed. I sobbed for all the people who didn’t get enough time with

 Shreya. I cried for her family who never got the chance to see their little girl

graduate, or get married.

Shreya will never know just how much she has influenced me. I have learned

 to be myself, to not hide who I really am. Now, my outlook on life is

more positive.

 If you don’t know who you are in life, life can’t give you too much. You need to

chase after your dreams, once you find a sense of self and discover those dreams.

When you do know what you want to get out of life, you need to take immediate

 action.  Shreya set a great example for everyone to follow. Now I always try to

live for the moment. “Someday I hope you get the chance, to live like you were dying”

By Moira Barry

5/06