Death and Suicide - The Death of a Friend Essay -- Personal Narrative

The Death of a Friend I hid my face as I sat desperately alone in the back of the crowded church and stared through blurry eyes at the stained glass windows. Tears of fear and anguish soaked my red cheeks. Attempting to listen to the hollow words spoken with heartfelt emotion, I glanced at his picture, and my eyes became fixed on his beloved dog. Sudden flashes of sacred memories overcame me. Memories of soccer, his unforgettable smile, and our frequent exchange of playful insults, set my mind spinning. I longed only to hear his delighted voice once more. I sat for what seemed like hours in that lonely yet overcrowded church; my tears still flowed, and I still remembered. October 2, 2001 started like a normal Tuesday morning at Hotchkiss High School. As I lazily wandered past Mr. Schelle into his advisory class, I noticed that he seemed quite upset about something. I dared not ask what had happened, for it was really none of my business. Soon after the bell rang, Mr. Schelle, whose eyes were welling up with tears, struggled to compose himself enough to say, "Guys, I've got some bad news for you." I sensed a bit of hesitation as he proceeded to read a letter as clearly as possible. The letter explained that Derek Grillos, a sophomore at our school and a good friend of mine, had died the night before. At first, my mind failed to register his name. I sat wondering who Derek Grillos was. As everyone questioned Mr. Schelle to find out who Derek was, I sat quiet. Finally, the fact that Derek, my "soccer buddy", had died hit me and hit me hard. I could feel my eyes darting back and forth in confusion and my heart pounding so hard I could feel it in my toes. I stared aimlessly at everything yet nothing. I su... ...te anxiety. Only good memories came from there, memories of me and Derek. I opened my eyes, and my thoughts were shattered by sobbing people and brilliantly colored flowers. My face burned, while my body shivered. As I returned to reality, I realized the pastor had asked for anyone who wanted to share memories of Derek to do so. Listening to the memories being shared, I shyly hopped to my feet. I quickly made my speech about what Derek meant to me and sank back into my seat. After the funeral service ended, I made my way to my car and drove home in complete silence. Even after everything that has happened, the kids' comments both good and bad, the funeral, and the loneliness, my admirable thoughts of Derek still remain. All I have left of him are all the cherished memories that remain in my heart. Even now, my tears still flow and I still remember. Â