Celeste was a beautiful young and vibrant 16 year old girl. Filled with positive energy and ready to take on the world. Brought up with her 2 brothers and 2 sisters, her caring parents watched as Celeste grew into an opinionated and intelligent teenager.
She was that girl in the halls that people radiated around. Many where drawn to her smile and the way she made them feel special, others were drawn to her beauty and the caring nature in her heart. She was the homecoming attendant our sophomore year as well as a starter on Central's Volleyball and Basketball teams. Picking up most of her athletic talent from her older brothers.
On September 19th, 1996, everything changed. Celeste was riding in a car with three of her girlfriends. While going down a hill, the car lost control. Celeste was killed instantly, the other three girls were treated at the hospital and released. That stuff just doesn't happen to kids like us. That's what I kept repeating over and over.
I heard of the accident later on that night. It was my 17th birthday and I was just getting back from going out to dinner with friends. I remember it so clearly, a burned in memory I will never forget. My best friend was called by Mo, Celeste's best friend, and asked to tell me the news. I remember him walking in my room with that emotionless look on his face. Tears began falling down his face as he told me what had happened. A couple days later the church was filled with people to show their last respects. So many people showed up it was overflowing outdoors. At the beginning of calling hours, the sky darkened and rain fell like tears to the ground. I stood outside in my nice suit and tie as I looked up in a daze at the sky. The rain began soaking my entire body and face. Minutes later, the rain stopped. The clouds parted and the sun shined through. This was a sign from Celeste of what was to come, I was just not ready yet to listen. That was then.
Ever since that day, everything has been different. The rain fell in my life for years after. I struggled like many others to get on with my life with out her presence. It was only about a year ago that I was finally able to see the other side. To began appreciating what she did and is still doing for people. What she did for me. She made me smile and laugh. She made me understand love and helped me build faith in life as well as death. I know I will see her again, and when I do I hope she knows how much she has shaped me into the person I am today.
I built this site for you Celeste. A place for old friends and family to come and feel connected with you and eachother. A place for strangers to experience you for the first time. We miss you.
Zachary Linquist | 
