Five People You Meet in Heaven

In life, there are three essential properties for living. One is water, another is air, and another is food. But I believe there is one more aspect to life. I'm talking about friends. No, not the TV show...real life friends. I watched the movie 'I am Legend' and I realized how important it is to have friends. Because without friends we would lose all sanity. But I believe that God has given each and everyone of us specific friends for a special reason. I've read the books :'5 People You Meet in Heaven' and '90 Minutes in Heaven' . After reading those two books I thought to myself, "I wonder who I will meet when I first enter Heaven." The first people you're supposed to meet are the people who had a major impact during your lifetime. I have a lot of friends and acquaintances but only a few have not only impacted my daily life, but my spiritual life as well.

The first person that comes to mind is my long time friend, Matt Rindels. We have been friends since kindergarten. Him and I definitely have different view points about things, but it's because of our different personalities that make me view life in a whole new perspective. Not all of us know just as much as the other and everyday we learn something about ourselves.

The next person is a really good friend of mine, Reggie Spiers. Him and I go way back. Reggie is one of the most determined person I know. He shows me that no matter where you come from or how you live, you can do anything you want if you set your mind to it. Reggie is really committed to sports and his girl and that deserves a lot of respect. A lot of people don't see that in him because of his past.

Next is Reilee Brown. Reilee and I don't see each other a whole lot but he has definitely shown me a lot. He is a really loyal person, especially towards his family. He has such a huge respect for his father and he works very hard at being the big brother.

The fourth person is an old school buddy, Rafael Contreras. Him and I never hang out or anything, but I have known him personally since elementary school. He is the hardest working man I know. I have the most respect for this guy. His mom was diagnosed with cancer several years back and he does whatever he can to support himself and his family. He works as a host at a restaurant and at the same time attends college. Not only that, he is also in a long term relationship. I wish him the best of luck.

This is my grandma Angie or what I like to call her, my Nana. She has given me so many life lessons. She is really smart and very involved in her Mexican heritage. She came from a very rough background as a child. But she really worked hard to fit into the American culture. My grandma is just in love with Jesus. She's always in a good mood and is always making friends where ever she goes. She is also very involved in art and literature. My grandma has shown me if I want something really badly I have to work for it. She has also told me to fight for what I believe in and not let others tell me I can't do something.

Finally, this person has impacted my life very dramtically. Her name is Miriam Baccus. Her and I met in 2005. Miriam is one of those people who doesn't come by very often. I've watched her grow from age 14 till now. As her life changed, so did mine. Even though my life has taken a big turn because of her, she is still the one who I will probably see first in Heaven.