Yesterday I heard the news of Annette’s death. It came in the form of an e-mail message from the school district. It stung me. Aside from the few moments I had at my desk, during the hectic pace of a school day, I had little chance to reflect upon her life and passing. I couldn’t get Peter (her younger brother) and her parents out of my mind – the pain they must be going through.Annette graduated from Mt. Rainier High School in 2003, where she had been active in the band program, track, and the "We the People" program. She loved flying, and after graduating from college was a flight instructor at the University of North Dakota. This week she died when her plane went down in Minnesota while training a young pilot. She was 22 years old.
Last night I searched for at least one picture I knew I had of Annette during her time at Mt. Rainier. I found only a thumbnail quality picture of her from 2002, and a recommendation I had written her for a scholarship.
Last night I searched for at least one picture I knew I had of Annette during her time at Mt. Rainier. I found only a thumbnail quality picture of her from 2002, and a recommendation I had written her for a scholarship.
Yesterday and last night, all I could think of was the senselessness of the loss of Annette, and the pain Peter and her parents must be living with. Annette was such a good person – a good soul - that it makes no sense, upon first reflection, that something like this could happen to her. She was way too young. Her intelligence, sense of purpose, and talent had so much more to contribute to this world.
I woke up thinking about Annette this morning. It occurred to me that Annette had lived so much in a short time. She had a good heart and she experienced and achieved so many things in her very few years here on earth. Maybe it makes sense that someone who was destined to live only a short time would be the unusually mature, focused, and responsible person that Annette was.
I remember her laugh. I remember her smile. I remember her nice handwriting on assignments that always seemed to be done with so much care and effort. I looked back at the recommendation that I wrote for her, and I am so glad that I still have it. I’ve been out of touch with Annette for the last 2 years or so, but I remember how genuinely friendly she was when I would see her attending a game or concert Peter was involved in during a break from college. I enjoyed hearing about the progress she was making in her career, and the enjoyment she was getting out of life.
I woke up thinking about Annette this morning. It occurred to me that Annette had lived so much in a short time. She had a good heart and she experienced and achieved so many things in her very few years here on earth. Maybe it makes sense that someone who was destined to live only a short time would be the unusually mature, focused, and responsible person that Annette was.I remember her laugh. I remember her smile. I remember her nice handwriting on assignments that always seemed to be done with so much care and effort. I looked back at the recommendation that I wrote for her, and I am so glad that I still have it. I’ve been out of touch with Annette for the last 2 years or so, but I remember how genuinely friendly she was when I would see her attending a game or concert Peter was involved in during a break from college. I enjoyed hearing about the progress she was making in her career, and the enjoyment she was getting out of life.
It hurts that Annette has left us. It feels good to have had her as a part of my life.
