realization.

At 21 years old, I pretty much think I am indestructible. I drive too fast, drink too much and take life for granted.

Two days ago I experienced something that will never, ever make me do that again. As I was sitting on the Metra home, the train came to a stop in the middle of the tracks. I complained that I might be home ten minutes later than usual.

I watched other people in the train make jokes, uncomfortably shift in their seats and complain, just as I had been doing. The conductor came on and announced the train in front of us had gotten into a wreck at a crosswalk. People complained more and more...this went on for 30 more minutes.

Later on, the conductor announced the wreck involved a fatality. Immediately, my stomach dropped. Whoever that was, was someones loved one, someones best friend, someones child. I sat quietly in my seat and waited. When we began moving, I starred out the window. What I saw next, no one should ever, ever see. A lifeless body lay on the ground with a sheet covering it. It turns out this fatality was planned. This individual wanted to end their life. I can't get the picture out of my head and this will forever change me.

Don't take life for granted. No one is indestructible. Life is a blessing.