Choices determine Destiny

Good Morning friends! I remembered today about a quote that my dear friend shared with me when I had asked for quotes to do a  post around. When I saw her suggestion my heart strings were  tugged, for they may look like 3 simple words, but they hold much power! They hold much sentiment for her, and I am honored that she wants me to share her story. I hope I can do it justice.

8 years ago on the last day of April there was a young man who loved life! He was  outgoing, passionate and caring and could make you laugh at the drop of a hat. He was a wonderful big brother to 2 amazing girls and the only son to my dear friends. His name was Kiel. His Freshman year of college was ending, it was his last week. He had made it through! He was soon going to be moving back home to his family and friends for the summer, life was good!

I don’t know what Kiel was doing the morning of April 30th, but I can guess that he probably was thinking of the summer to come. Of being at home with his family and just doing what he did best, living life to the fullest! I’m sure he had dreams about the future and was eager to keep living life 1 day at a time and seeing what was to come next. He had a optimistic view on life that was  contagious when you were around him, always wearing a smile. More times than not that smile was probably due to mischief brewing in his mind.  He did enjoy having fun. He was 19 years old and had his whole life ahead of him. I may not know what all his mind contained the morning of April 30th, but I am pretty sure that he didn’t wake up thinking, “This is going to be the last morning I see.”

May 1st dawned as a bright, warm Spring day. My friend Lori  knew in a week that her son would be home from college. Being a close knit family, she  was excited to have her kids all together again.

Lori  was at work when 2 police walked in her work place asking for her. She wasn’t aware that when she stepped outside with the police that her life would be irrevocably changed. Changed by choices that had been made by her precious son and by his questionable friends.

The details of the night remain sketchy, even 8 years later; for people are afraid to speak up. The facts are tragic. My friend’s son who had so much potential and promise inside him was found dead  the morning of May 1st. He died of alcohol poisoning. His friends were very aware of how intoxicated he was, and one mentioned taking him to the hospital. But the others made the CHOICE not to! They made the CHOICE to put him in a bedroom and just let him sleep it off. You don’t  sleep off alcohol poisoning!  No one checked on him until it was too late. CHOICES were made that night that resulted in deadly consequences and that changed not only my friend’s life and her family, but many others who knew and loved him.

We make choices every day of our lives and a lot of those choices are not life changing ones, but we need to remember that there are choices that can be. Choices that not only change our lives, but the lives of so many others. Choices that we don’t always get a second chance to redo! Please choose wisely when making serious choices, don’t only  think about the here and now. Think about what the result could be of your choice and question if its worth it!

My heart still aches for my friend and her dear family for there is no greater loss than the loss of a precious, loved one! But I need to say on here that I am so proud of them  and the choices they have made in how they have handled this tragedy. They are Kiel’s voice, they have gone around to different High Schools and Colleges ( including Kiel’s college) sharing the truth about alcohol poisoning. Encouraging young people to make wise and responsible choices. They are doing all they can to try and make a difference in others lives

They did not choose to become bitter and isolate themselves from society. They chose to keep embracing life and living it to the fullest  like Kiel did. They chose to keep smiling through their heartbreak , yes letting the tears come and the bad days, but knowing that this was not the end. Knowing that they can preserve Kiel’s legacy and that they each still have so much to offer! Sharing their love, wisdom, joy and laughter with the world and those of us that are so blessed to be able to call them our friends!  Love you Lori and Tony and Katy and Ema! Keep shining the beautiful light that you all shine and making a  difference one day at a time!