I am writing to thank you for the heartfelt editorial on July 16. For me, the words you said struck home and my own life.

On July 15, 1991, it was a nice summer day. The sun was out with a soft gentle breeze whispering one’s hair. For me, that was a day I will never forget. It also was a day that a close friend of mine died. He name was Troy Howard.

Troy was just 18 years old. His birthday was the week before, on July 8.

I also remember that the month before, Troy had the chance to leave his graduation class in Belfast with some final words in his valedictorian speech: “You only get one chance at this mysterious thing called life. Make it count.”

That was one thing Troy did – made his life count.

Troy will be missed not only for his help in the local Shop-n-Save, his quirky sense of humor or even for his way with the pen composing poetry (which he won numerous awards for). He will be missed by all as the boy next door, always there and a friend to all.

Today in the community where Troy grew up stands a middle school in his honor. I am thankful for Troy and keep his memory alive daily and remind myself of those words he made in his graduation speech.

James Dean, Lewiston