Shortness of Life

Life has become more and more precious each day. Yesterday I was thinking about this month’s blog post, and I realized that we often go through life meaning to do certain things and never do, because life in general gets in the way. That though hit hone this morning when I heard about my friend Annie’s passing.

Since I moved we did lose touch and then, of course, Covid came and it was even harder to reconnect. Annie survived cancer three times and has been in remission for over 15 years. Well, cancer is funny that way and decided to creep back in when it feels like it. This is the second friend I have lost in one week to this awful disease that took my father almost 30 years ago. How can it be that almost 30 years later, people are still dying an awful death. It is becoming a commonality to hear about someone dying at such a young age. An age where we are “empty nesters” with grandchildren and still have some hopes to enjoy the magical years with traveling, friends and some fun times. What is really in the stars for us?

We always reflect on our busyness when we lose someone we love and we promise to be better. Why is life so complex these days that we can’t live up to these promises?! What can we do to make this easier to endure?

Probably nothing. Death is hard for those it leaves behind. Too many people have lost loved ones especially these past two years. I feel that we are all struggling the same journey. And it is not our age that seems to be the standout point in this. People of all ages are losing battles with disease, depression and the cycle of life. It makes me so deeply sad and optimistic at the same time. Sad because I have lost so many that were a part of my life, my journey and my heart. Optimistic because these type of days make me optimistic about fulfilling the joys I hope to experience in my life before it goes away.

So hug your friend, call your mother, and let go of the small stuff. In the end, it is not important. What is important is the love you feel for others in this brief journey we call life. Give someone an extra hug, text a friend you haven’t heard from, and smile as you go through your day. Remember sometimes people don’t reach out to you because life is complicated for them. Being the first to reach out is sometimes the best answer.

Let’s enjoy this ride they call life while we can!