This one's for Layne

Life is short. But we've heard that before haven't we. Today I'm feeling it more than ever. You always open the newspaper and expect to see the obituaries of the elderly or perhaps those in ill health. It always seems to hit me hard when I see that someone passed away suddenly. I can't help but think of how I would feel if it were someone I knew, someone close to me.... And I can't help but wonder how it would effect my friends and family if I were the one to leave so suddenly.

On September 10, 2008 Layne Colledge passed away due to complications after a motorcycle accident. I went to high school with Layne. I didn't know him personally, but he was in a few of my classes and he was a well known guy. Funny, smart, just a nice guy. My heart goes out to his family and those close to him.

Life can end in a matter of seconds. Who knows how long each of us may have left on this earth. I know from his obituary that Layne passed away after doing something he loved, his motocycle. We can't take a single second for granted. In the words of James Dean, "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." We'll miss you Layne.

For those reading who knew him, you can view his obituary at the following link as well as sign the online guest book. http://ads.heraldextra.com/articles/2008/09/12/obituaries/329925.txt