This is a story that was told after a beloved senior died in a car accident during my freshman year of high school. I love this story and wanted to share it, because I think we all need a little reminder.
DISCLAIMER: I didn't write this story, and I don't know who did, it's just what I remember from 6 years ago.

Four candles burn slowly. The ambiance was so soft that you could hear them talking.

The first one said “I am Peace. However no one can keep me lit. I believe I will go out.” It’s flame rapidly diminished and went out completely.

The second one said “I am Faith. Most of all I am no longer indispensable, so it doesn’t make any sense that I stay lit any longer.” When it finished a breeze softly blew on it putting it out.

Sadly, the third candle spoke in its turn “I am Love. I haven’t the strength to stay lit. People put me aside and don’t understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest and dearest to them.” And waiting no longer it went out.

Suddenly a child entered the room and saw three of the candles not burning.

“Why you are not burning? You are supposed to stay lit till the end.” Saying this the child started crying.

Then the fourth candle spoke softly, “Don’t be afraid, while I am still burning we can re-light the candles, I am Hope.” With shining eyes, the child took the candle of Hope and lit the other candles.

The flame of Hope should never go out from our lives. And each of us can be at Peace, have Faith and be in Love... forever.

AN: story I wrote... from personal experince. ;)

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Wasn't that ending totally awesome? I mean, the way he snapped the compass closed and the screen went dark was so cool!" Mina alternatively skipped and hopped down the street as she kept talking. "Pirates of the Caribbean was really really amazing! I'm so glad we went!"

"Wasn't she the one who didn't want to go because she thought it was going to be scary?" Julie asked as she, Lucy, and Haley tried to keep up with Mina's wild pace down the sidewalk.

"I absolutely loved Johnny Depp!" Mina went on, not heeding the conversation behind her. "The way he said, 'Why's the rum gone' was hilarious! Ooh, and isn't Orlando Bloom such a hunk?"

"Be grateful," whispered Lucy, "In about 20 minutes she'll be crying her eyes out for no apparent reason."

"One day I'm going to be a movie star!" Mina yelled at no one in particular, causing people to stare. "I'll be rich and famous and give money to poor people and save the world!!!"

"I'm going to be so happy when the doctor takes her off those steroids." Haley sighed, massaging her temples. "If she wasn't on them for medical reasons, I wouldn't put up with this. She's giving me a headache."

"I could do lots of fundraisers to help people!" Mina continued, now spinning in circles. "I could do bake sales, car washes, plays, concerts, yard sales, and lots of other things to raise money! Isn't that a great idea?"

Julie looked from Mina, who was still twirling, to Lucy and Haley, both of who were shaking their heads in exasperation. "I have an idea," she mouthed to Lucy and Haley, then grabbed the spiraling Mina by the shoulders. Mina ginned lopsided as her eyes tried to focus on Julie's face.

"Hey Mina, those are great ideas!" Julie said, trying to put as much enthusiasm as she could into her voice. "You should start working on them right away!'

"You're right!" Mina said excitedly. "I'll get working right now! Thanks guys! See you later!" And with that she scampered down the street and into her house.

Julie, Haley, and Lucy all sighed with relief. "Well girls, I think we've faced our toughest problem yet." Julie said, putting her arms around Haley and Lucy. "More difficult than Mrs. Settlemyer's fourteen page paper, we've faced and overcome Mina on a steroidal high.