As a memorial to my family, Ron, Danny, Jennifer and Anna Armstrong, who were taken so suddenly five years ago today, I would like to make a plea to those I care about and to every person who has ever cared about another human being.

Today I challenge all of you to make a commitment to those you love. If nothing else, do it because this is a new millennium. Promise you’ll say I love you more often and with more meaning behind it. Don’t take those you care for, especially your partner and/or children, for granted. Every day thank God you are able to touch those you love, hear them laugh, and listen to their dreams. Support your children when they voice their fears, hopes and plans for the future, even if they seem silly to you. Don’t live a moment of your life that you may have to regret at any given moment.

For those who have lost — remember the good times, cry, get angry, trust, grow and learn. Don’t lie down and make a tragedy or loss take your life. Fight for yourself, the ones you’ve lost and the ones still here with you.

If you live your life precariously, you always face the chance of being the one to take another’s life. It will never happen to me … happens. Don’t put yourself in that predicament by driving dangerously or with drugs and alcohol in your system, by being violent and unforgiving, or by just being stupid. Challenge yourself to live a life that thinks of the other guy first and if you do cause pain to another, be man or woman ehough to say “I’m sorry” and change.

To Ron, Danny, Jennifer and Anna — my love will never fade and I will never stop trying to will you back. Even though I still get angry, cry and have regrets, I thank you for all you taught me about love and family, and this time around I will never take for granted again. Patricia Armstrong Metta Baileyville