If You’ve Got a Chance, Take It

My Papaw has been my best friend for my whole life. He was my number one supporter, the hardest working man I know, funny, caring, the staple of my agriculture knowledge, and most importantly, my very best friend. He went through many hardships in life, but he never gave up and he always made sure that I, as little 8 year old Kelsie, did not see these struggles that he was facing. We spent every moment possible together! We were inseparable. So, it is now July 3rd, 2021. This was the best day of my life! It was getting close to the county fair, and we were in work mode. We were clipping and walking goats, preparing the poultry, and grooming the rabbits. Our day started with breakfast, then we worked. Then we went and had a nice lunch, and then back to work. Finally we had dinner, and then worked on some last minute 4-H record sheets. Our day was very productive. Finally, he took me home, and we agreed to have a cookout and fireworks the next day for the 4th of July! This day, July 3rd, was the best day of my life and I didn’t even know it yet. I was so excited and could not wait for the next day. Then, the next day rolled around, July 4th, 2021. My Papaw called and said he was sick. I didn’t know what to do, so I asked him what he needed. He said he needed 911. So, I called 911 for him, and an ambulance took him to the hospital. I thought this would be a quick trip, maybe some shots or some medicine, and then we would go about our day. Around noon, my boyfriend came to my house and said he needed help with a 4-H project. I told him that I did not have time for that, and that I would help him the next day. He said, “No, you have to come with me.” I grumbled and rolled my eyes and went with him. An hour had gone by, and there was no 4-H project. 2 hours had gone by, and there was no 4-H project. Finally, 3 hours later, my boyfriend’s mom said that she needed to go to Menard’s. I was relieved to see that we were finally getting started on this 4-H project! We got in the car and headed that direction. Then, before I knew it, she turned. However, she was not turning into Menard’s. She turned into the hospital that my Papaw had been taken to. I got out of her jeep to see my entire family in a big circle. No one could say anything. Finally, my grandma told me that my Papaw was no longer with us. I was the last person to know, and this was probably for the better due to my reaction. He passed away that afternoon a couple hours after being taken to the hospital. This was the worst day of my entire life. I had literally lost my best friend. I have never been the same without him, and I never will be. However, I find peace in knowing that I spent as much of my time as possible with my Papaw. I spend his last day with him, which is why it was the best day of my life. We were always together, and I took EVERY opportunity I got to be with him. I took the opportunity. You never know when something may be your last. So, if you’ve got a chance, take it. District V, take EVERY opportunity.

Love always, 

Kelsie Avery

District V President

Instagram: kelsieavery.32