Michael Karjala, 20 years old, was killed in an alcohol-related crash on January 9, 2005 in Martin County while out with friends one evening. He leaves behind  family and friends that are still grieving his death.  His sister, Kelly, wrote this touching poem about her loss.

Tears

They come at times so unknowingly I don't know what to do.
When they come they're coming on strong too.

I push them back, I want it to stop.
It hurts so bad, sometimes I become weak and want to drop.

I try to stay strong, cause that's what I try to be.
But right now it’s hard for others to see.

I am breaking down each and everyday.
When these tears come, I don't know what to say.

At first it was cool cause I could ignore everything around me
But now they are out for me to clearly see.

I thought the pain was supposed to ease,
but I guess what people told me was a tease.

I don't think the tears, the pain, everything will stop.
I don't think it will.
Since January 9, 2005 time has been standing still.

I hope eventually life will go on.
But right now I know I have to stay strong I can see.
When this is all over hopefully I can return to being me!

Kelly Karjala