There once was a boy who loved the snow. But one day, he played in it for too long and fell asleep.

There once was a girl who loved candy. But one day, she ate too much, got sick and fell asleep.

There once was a man who loved to balance. But one day, he got too dizzy and fell asleep.

There once was a woman who loved to make friends. But one day, she made too many and decided to fall asleep.

Each story seems a little short, doesn’t it? Didn’t the boy or girl, man or woman have dreams or adventures, fears or hopes? If only we had looked a little earlier in the story, we may have found out. Maybe we could have even helped them create a better ending. If only their story hadn’t ended so soon.

There’s a storm that comes through every year from October 31 to January 1. Some love the storm. But for others, the storm meanssomething much different thangifts, turkey or Halloween candy. For others, it marks another year of losing something or some part of themselves physically or emotionally.

We are all travelers in pain and in joy, heading to the great destination. But right now, as we speak, you are in a position of great decision: do or do not? It starts now. Or it doesn’t start at all.

They say addiction begins in high school. From little things like needing “liquid courage” or experimenting outside of your comfort zone or trying to get over an emotional issue. None of these have bad intentions, but only through innocence can the worst harm arise.