Editor shares…stories about life and death

Recently, several students and a couple of faculty members (recent and former) passed away in less than a year. The university community has lost Angel A. Guerrero (student), Ana Maria Ramirez (former student), Eric Ivan Tavares (TAMIU Bridge Program student), Dr. Alfredo F. Supervielle (former faculty), and Dr. Joseph H. Meredeith (recent faculty).I wanted to address the issue because everyone eventually has to deal with death. It’s an inevitable occurrence.I spent most of last Friday interviewing students, faculty, and staff who were close to these individuals. I heard many great and remarkable stories that I will carry with me for a long time. As I walked around campus, going from interview to interview, I wondered, Where does a person’s worth lie?In our consumer-driven, fast-paced world, some look at a person’s wealth and earthly possessions while others look at the person’s character and lifestyle.I had the fortunate opportunity to listen to many stories about several people’s character, memories, and the lessons they left behind.As I heard about Ana’s caring and gentle nature, “Dr. Super’s” strong spirit, and Eric’s dedication to his family, I saw firsthand how each life effects one another and how, even after death, the person is very much alive in the memories of others. In between the heartfelt words, genuine tears, vivid recollections, and colorful photos, I saw the frailty and special nature of life.In a split second, everything can change. Tomorrow isn’t promised. However, as I heard the underlying theme in each of these retold memories, that today is a gift and we should take advantage of these moments, I found myself more determined to share their stories and the lessons they learned. Follow your dreams. If you have a vision, go for it! Be kind to others while you’re traveling down the road of life. Stay strong and keep steadfast to your beliefs. Never lose your spirit. Work hard for the ones you love. Appreciate the beauty that others can instill in you. And, most importantly, live life to the fullest!One person told me, “I feel like with these deaths that someone is trying to tell us something– to appreciate life.”That is one of the strongest and most important messages I got from all these stories: appreciate life.It’s difficult to sum up people in a few words when they were more than words can describe. Each was different, but touched so many lives. Some had the opportunity to live a full life while others were cut off at their prime.No matter the case, these people will not be forgotten.I want to thank all those I had the opportunity to interview. The Bridge staff extends its condolences to those family and friends of the recently lost.. I hope readers can take something from this and learn from these remarkable and unique individuals.-Jennifer Torres