January 25, 2001, was a warm, sunny day with beautiful ski conditions. My family and I were on my school’s ski trip. When we took a lunch break, I scanned the cafeteria, looking for friends from school. I saw a girl named Cat Carey sitting across the room. This was her first year at our school, but we knew each other from being in the Christmas play. I walked over shyly and said hi and asked her how her day was. We talked for a while before I went back to eat.

The next morning when I arrived at school, the teacher told us the principal wanted to see us in another classroom. When we got there, some teachers were crying, so I knew something was wrong. The principal said, "Last night Cat Carey drowned." She had drowned in the bathtub after skiing.

Then it hit me—the girl who always walked down the hall smiling and telling others to do the same was gone. I started crying. Two days later we attended Cat’s visitation. When we talked to her mother, she told me Cat was so happy that I had come over and said hi. "She had such a great last day," Mrs. Carey said.

That day was Cat’s last, but only God knew it would be. I am so glad that I said hi to her, because if I had decided to talk to her later, I wouldn’t have had the chance. I miss her. We are building a new school this year and will be putting in a memorial for Caitlin "Cat" Carey. I still struggle with moving on. But I know Cat would want me to be happy. I will never forget her. Don’t ever hesitate to do something right, because you never know what the future may bring.

Emilia, 11
Ontario

	Q: Why did the dog lay on its back with its feet sticking in the air? A: It was trying to trip birds. Amy S., 11, Illinois Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe