They never tell you growing up about the hurt and pain you will overcome. At least, in my case, those things were never a focus of my upbringing. Part of me is incredibly thankful but another part of me is asking "Why wasn't I warned?"

Why wasn't I warned about the death of loved ones I would experience, the betrayals from close friends I would endure and the periodic heartbreaks along the way? On top of figuring out who you are, who you want to be and where you want to go in life, you are exposed to so many positive and negative experiences that mold and change you. Who I was 5 years ago is so different from who I am today and I have my positive (and negative) experiences to thank for that.

Although I believe strongly in human resiliency and I'm thankful for the support I have thus far, it's interesting. We weren't exactly warned about death betrayal and heartbreaks...or given a heads up....and it certainly was not a class offered in high school. Just something we're left to deal with and figure out on our own. I guess it's painfully true, you can't have the highs without the lows.

Rest in peace, Ms. Attleson. I was hoping to see you this summer, but your impact will live on forever in our hearts and in who we are today.