Some events in life are so jolting that you never forget them; such is the case of the end of my friend Donna's life. It's a memory that has haunted me for decades. 

My lovely parents dropped me off at a restaurant in Syosset, Long Island, which one of my best friends had booked for her Sweet 16 birthday party. On a sunny summer afternoon in July, I remember walking into the quaint eatery in the shape of a windmill. That was sort of fascinating to me at the time, although I suppose it was a gimmicky way to get people to come in. 

I remember exactly what I was wearing--a form-fitting cotton dress in a green and orange geometric pattern with a matching green headband, pushing my hair away from my forehead into the long pageboy style I was sporting. I felt almost grown up in the outfit. We had a great time, and the food was delicious. It was an afternoon lunch, and there was quite a spread. I remember eating baked chicken with mashed potatoes. About 15 girls were invited.

A table was set up for presents. Because it was starting to get late, and we lingered over birthday cake-- Donna decided to open her gifts at home. Besides, we had been there for quite a few hours. Mom and Dad came to pick me up, and we drove home. It had been a fun afternoon. I told my parents how much I liked the birthday. We got back to Convent Road around 5 pm. I remember being pretty stuffed from the food and not too hungry for dinner, but I still sat down with my family. Later on, I watched some TV with my little brother and sisters. I went to bed that night feeling happy, for the security of my family, the fact that I was off from school for the summer, and that I'd just gone to a grownup party with my high school sophomore friends--soon to be a high school junior.

The next morning seemed to be routine. But it turned out to be anything but that. I got a call from a friend that Donna was dead. I was in total shock. What happened? I learned a drunk driver hit her family's car during the drive home. Donna was killed instantly-- on her 16th birthday. 

The impact on her family was the worst. Donna's mother was never the same, and her father died from a heart attack a few months later, undoubtedly brought on by stress.

There is no excuse for drinking under the influence. There are options--designated drivers, buses, cabs, Lyfts, Ubers, walking, or not going if there's no ride. A person should never drink or be high if he or she gets behind the wheel--no exceptions. Utah has a new law that should be on the books everywhere. Donna should still be here. She was the sweetest girl I knew.