The death of a sweetheart: Commentary About a High School Sweetheart

The other evening I heard that one of my high school sweethearts was murdered, in cold blood, in his driveway. It’s a tragic story that would tug at my heart strings even if I didn’t know the victim. However, knowing the victim makes it life changing.

 

 

Reflections on my High School Sweetheart

Tyrone was charming, gregarious, and had the kind of smile that lit up every room that he entered. His laugh was infectious. However, Tyrone was also an incredible football player. And, in our high school, like in most around the country, this made him a bit of a star. Like everyone else, I was a fan. However, he was also my friend.

Eventually, during my senior year, I developed a rather large crush on him. It was inevitable. We had opportunity. He was a football player. I was a cheerleader. And he was also tall, dark, and had the deepest dimples that I’d ever seen. Because I was a high school girl, I plotted with my friends to get him to see me as more than a friend. To my surprise, my plotting worked. He asked me to attend a Winter Ball with him.

It was a cliche. He was a football player and I was a cheerleader. And we went to a dance. However, that night was so much more than that.

 

It was an epic evening. It was one of the first times that I had been allowed to go on a car date. And it was the first time that I ever made out with a guy. Even though we didn’t get past second base, it was the first time that I questioned whether I’d be able to remain chaste until marriage.

 

 Time Makes the Memories Sweeter

Through his eyes I was a sexy woman. Until that night I had viewed myself as a somewhat cute little girl. Tyrone helped me to see myself through his eyes. He helped me to grow up. Even though it became apparent that our relationship was destined to be short, it was significant to me. And, I will always cherish the memories.

 

I hadn’t seen or spoken to Tyrone in years. And I know, that like high school, our relationship was not meant to last forever.  However, he always had a special place in my heart. When I learned of his death, I was shaken, sad, and disappointed. He and I didn’t share a present or a future, but we shared sweet high school memories. Now that he’s dead, only one of us remembers. And it’s just not the same...