The air was cold, and my breath showed in vapor as it stretched towards heaven. A place that I would visit soon. I smiled at the cloud-covered sun and stuck my tongue out to catch a few fresh snowflakes. The drive to school would take longer this morning because of the snow- and ice-covered roads. I woke up on time and ate breakfast. My usual is a strawberry Pop tart with a short glass of orange juice. I grabbed my parka, headed for the door, and petted my dog, Lucy, for the last time. 

The locks on my car were frozen, so I had to use the canned lock de-icer my dad had given me to thaw it out before I could slide my key inside. It always worked, and I was thankful to have a family that watched for me. I loved them so much, and even in death, I always would. I started my car, and after a few slow growls, the engine turned and sputtered like a loud hacking cough. I waited ten minutes to let the car warm as I looked at my Facebook page and made my last post.

“Today is freezing, yet I am mobile. A word of encouragement, when life seems difficult, instead of giving up, just push through the snow! When there is a blizzard, grab a shovel and make a snow fort. When the ice is thick, put on your skates! When the wind is cold, pull up your hand-knitted scarf and be thankful you have a warm place to go. Drive careful, all! Loves and Giggles, Jamie.”

I shifted into reverse and left my driveway, slowly heading to death. There were only a few cars on the road, and all went ahead with caution. As a new driver, I followed their example. The bridge was notorious for being icy, but I did not know this then. It makes sense, though, because the water from below can lap up on the pavement and freeze very quickly.  One can never prepare for an emergency, and one can never prepare for their death.  We don’t know when or where it is going to happen.  We just know that for sure, it will happen. 

A small rabbit leaped in front of my car right before I started on the bridge, and if there was any solace in dying, at least I managed to miss him. He was able to go home to his warm little house, to his own little family, at eating some carrot stew for dinner. As for me, my Pop-tart would serve as my last supper. I swerved and hit the brakes as I started on the bridge, but the icy roads provided no traction. The car spun and twirled, and if I wasn’t heading for the side of the bridge, it might have been slightly thrilling. No matter which way I turned the wheel or how hard I stomped on the brakes, there was no control to be gained. With a crash, my tiny car hit the guardrail, causing me to bounce back off the bridge and into the trees. I died on impact.

As my spirit left my body and I entered heaven, I felt an overall lightness.  I was surrounded by family and friends (animals, too), all welcoming me into my natural home. I was at peace and felt no pain and no sadness. I could understand things that never made sense when I was alive. I knew all the answers to all the why questions, but it no longer mattered. I was with the ones I loved and with the Son. He welcomed me with a warm embrace and kissed my head. I’m resting and will see more of my family and friends soon, for life on Earth is a vaporous breath in the winter cold. My family and friends (and Lucy too, of course), mourned my death and asked all the questions I once had. But to give them succor, God planted a patch of lady slippers on the spot of my accident. And every Spring, when they grow up, people are reminded of how short life really is. We all have one life, and we do not know how much time we will have, but one thing is for sure, we will all certainly perish. So, a word of wisdom from the other side: Make the most of the time you do have and cherish all your happy moments. Those moments will become memories, and happy memories are the only treasure we can take with us when we pass on. 

Loves and Giggles, Jamie