Precious Baggage

Same for the parents of Morgan Harrington. Yet another young, vibrant woman who’s life was cut far too short.

Perhaps these specific cases hit extra close to home for me because I lost two of my teenage girl friends during early years too. We were all about to go forth and conquer it all because life had such possibility. I know what it’s like to be the young girl that’s still alive and sitting in a funeral home with parents who have lost theirs. Those images are ones I hope to never have to relive. I will never forget after my friends died, for the longest time before I left to go anywhere with friends, my mom used to hug me and tell whomever I was about to ride with; “Please be careful- you’re carrying my most precious baggage.”

Maybe my heart hurts because I’m female. I wonder why often women have to arm ourselves with mace and be overly aware or on the defensive on a daily basis, just so we’re ready to kick anyone’s ass if they come within 10 feet of us and look like trouble, or above it all- why there are such rotten, horrible people out there in the world sometimes who hurt others.

Whatever it is, the death of the Chelsea’s and Morgan’s of the world put me in check everyday to feel more than I am already, that time and life is far more precious than any of us are able to comprehend.

To the families and friends of Chelsea, Morgan and all others alike,

If it can be any bit of consolation or gift to you to know, your girls have inspired me and I’m sure so many other young women, to put in extra work and heart into what we do, so that the spirits of such amazing ladies like yours live on. We hope you somehow find peace in all the beautiful and fun memories you have.