Don't Panic

I know that I never knew her, but wasn't she beautiful? This girl was loved by so many, and is said to be someone who was a true joy to be around. All those who knew her are devastated, and all of us who never met her wish that we had. Lauren Burk, for some reason unknown, did not get the chance to live a very long life. However, she touched so many people while she was here. She's still touching people now that she is no longer here. That is truly amazing. I cannot begin to imagine how her family feels. I do not even want to think about how her friends must be doing right now. I've lost people that I cared about, but I've been lucky enough to not experience the loss of a best friend. It breaks my heart to wonder what I would do if it were me receiving the call that they did on March 4, 2008. I love my friends with my entire heart, and while I know that I cannot prevent bad things from happening to them, I still feel the need to be overly protective at this moment. I do not think I would be able to get through that sort of loss. I hope that her family finds solace in knowing that people my age across the country have, without help, set up organizations ordering tshirts, wristbands, and bumper stickers in her memory, and are donating the money earned to her family, as well as to fund the reward for information to help solve this mystery. The tragedy of Lauren Burk has pushed us all to look deeper inside ourselves and wonder if we're living life to the absolute fullest. Will we be remembered as good people, too? DID WE CHANGE SOMEONE'S LIFE? Lauren did. She truly, honestly did. I know that society questions God when things like this happen. We ask him, "Why?" and wonder if he exists at all. Is it possible that he sent Lauren here for 18 years to teach us a lesson on life, and it's precious importance? Maybe. I just hope her family and friends know how much everyone is supporting them at this time. I know that nothing will ease the pain, but you've got prayers coming in for you all across the country, and beyond. The news said that Coldplay's "Don't Panic" was one of her favorite songs. Here are the lyrics::

bones sinking like stones
all that we fought for
homes, places we’ve grown
all of us are done for.
and we live in a beautiful world,
yeah we do, yeah we do.
we live in a beautiful world.
bones sinking like stones
all that we fought for
homes, places we’ve grown
all of us are done for.
but we live in a beautiful world,
yeah we do, yeah we do.
we live in a beautiful world.
oh all that I know,
there’s nothing here to run from
everybody here’s got somebody to lean on