Life gets so busy that sometimes a tragedy reminds of what is truly important.
The loss of two of our community’s promising young people, Riley and Natasha Burnell, is one of those tragedies.
Their deaths in a car accident last week impacted members of our community deeply.
Even those who did not know these people personally, were reminded that our lives can change dramatically in an instant. And there’s no better time than the present to tell our loved ones what they mean to us and to do things that have a profound and valuable effect on others.
The Burnells had each chosen professions that would have leave a lasting impression on others. Law enforcement and teaching are considered helping professions and they deserve credit for seeing the value in mentoring our youth as well as assisting people in need.
We all at times get caught up in things that seem so important at the moment. But the loss of the Burnells should remind us of the big picture in life. What seems so critical at one moment that it causes frustration and perhaps even anger, may be a small part of our lives when we consider family, friends, and doing good for others — things that have lasting value.
For some, our careers and jobs may feel of great significance and urgency, and doing the best you can at our jobs is an important part of life.
But at the end of the day, what truly counts is how you lived your life. Was it with joy and happiness? Or was it with frustration and anger?
We want to believe that the Burnells experienced the wonders of life, even if a time that was too short. They will live on in the memories of their family, friends and the people who were reminded to live life with laughter, joy and love.
Rest in peace, Riley and Natasha. You will be remembered for many reasons by this community.
