By Diana 

My 15th birthday is one I will never forget. There wasn’t an amazing birthday party and there wasn’t a present that I had always wanted and would cherish forever. It was Monday, May 10, the beginning of my second period English class. I was sitting in my assigned seat at the front of the classroom and as my classmates walked in, they all wished me a happy birthday. Several minutes later, the teacher made an announcement. Dan, a friend I’ve known since the seventh grade, had committed suicide over the weekend.

Happy birthday.

When Brittany, a friend from the first grade, told me she was joining the military, I was both surprised and not surprised. I was happy and proud for her and at the same time, sad and worried. She’s not just serving for a few years either. She wants a career in the military. It’s not as if she’ll serve and then things will go back to normal. It’s a decision I’ve come to recognize, respect and support no matter what. I told her however, “Don’t you dare get killed, because I don’t want to report on your death. I wouldn’t be able to bear it.”

Recently a police officer I’ve become friends with told me he is being deployed to serve overseas. I don’t know the details yet, but the news was enough for me to feel the mix of emotions I felt when Brittany broke her news. I’ll admit, I got emotional. Not because we are close, because we aren’t, but because I would miss him during his deployment and our relationship plays a large part in my interest in police and military reporting.

At the end of the e-mail, he wrote, “Have a great holiday.”

I suppose things, in a way, are coming full circle. The officer who got me interested in police and military reporting is now or will be serving in the military. Dan’s passing affected me as a person and I have no doubt whatever happens, or doesn’t happen, with Brittany and my police officer friend will affect me both as a person and a reporter.

Still a bit unnerved, I went to the gym today (12/19), trying to distract myself, but the thought of a friend’s deployment isn’t something you simply sweat out. I went to the food court for lunch and as I took off my coat, I noticed flurries starting to fall. Last time I checked, the weather reports didn’t mention flurries. But some things come unexpected and you just have to deal with it.

**Wishing the brave men and women serving overseas the best wishes and a happy holiday. Thank you.**