We lost a special young person in Jason Stern; a unique set of values, point of view, sense of intelligence, humor and life and an infectious spontaneity. And, seemingly, options that most of us only dream about. But somehow to Jason life appeared differently and he chose to exit from whatever pain he was feeling. It brings to all of us a sense of futility; it leaves us chilled, angry and full of recriminations. It is a futility, however, that must not be permanent.

Though they may not know it or feel it, the young people of Bangor are among the best of everything the world has to offer, and have a better sense of what’s important than many people in what you may consider “the real world.” Take hold of the gifts and dreams you have, find someone to share your soul with and continue on. Life is too fleeting to treat it otherwise. And the Jason I knew would be the first to tell you so. Mary Jane Poole Florence, Italy Former Bangor High School teacher