Christina Lembo, a 16-year-old, beautiful Bloomfield High School student was killed in a car accident a little after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday night. Her and her two friends were a block away from Christina's house when their car was t-boned by a car that was likely participating in a drag race, by a driver who was likely drunk. Sitting in the back seat, Christina took the brunt of the impact, and died at a nearby hospital a little while after the accident.
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Christina, I do know a lot of her friends and family, who have expressed just how wonderful of a girl she was.
I imagine myself at this time of year when I was 16. I would probably still be celebrating the awesome Sweet 16 party I had on September 15. I'd be well into my soccer season-- I'd also probably be complaining about studying for a test that probably wasn't that hard to begin with. I'd also be oblivious to the fact that I was about to lose Jamie in about two weeks.
At that time, I didn't have any real worries, until Jamie died that is. I probably was spending my Saturday nights driving around with friends the same way Christina was. I often even drove down Broughton with them--the same street that Christina was killed on.Tragedies like this make me wonder why this happens to some people, and not others. There are so many charismatic and beautiful people that are filled with love and life that don't get enough time to experience all of the wonders of the world. At 16, I hadn't experienced the best days of my life yet, or the worst. I hadn't gone through the experiences and events that shaped who I am today. I wasn't myself yet, but I was trying to be. I can just only hope that Christina had enough experiences that made her life worthwhile.
The Bloomfield community has come together so much these past few weeks with the passing of Vinnie, and now with the passing of Christina. Even if you didn't know them personally, if you live in Bloomfield you definitely know someone who knew them, and that makes them a friend. I've been far away for far too long, but when I stopped by my favorite Bloomfield bagel store this past August on the way to a concert, I was greeted by the workers as if I'd never been gone. Going back to a place where everyone knows your name, and genuinely cares about your well-being and how you've been doing, is my favorite part about returning to my hometown.
I hope that no more tragedies strike Bloomfield any time soon. We are a tough town with a strong group of residents, but I think we've proven that. I don't think we need our strength to be tested anymore.
I hope you rest easy sweet angel, and I hope that one day your family can find peace. Until then, I will be praying for them.
I love you, Bloomfield. You were my first true love, and don't you think I'll ever forget that.
Photos courtesy of www.bloomfieldpatch.com.
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