Life
It's been a week of loss. And I have to wonder why?
I learned that my bowling friend Mary Ann was being put on life support and it was recommended to her family that they remove it. The week before Thanksgiving Mary Ann didn't feel well. You know when someone says that, you figure it's the flu or a cold. Well, she was diagnosed with cancer that weekend. Now, three months later, she's gone.
Mary Ann was larger than life. In a good way! She was a powerhouse of a woman...full of energy and kindness. Happy and upbeat. Always greeted everyone. Great wild hair (you know we women of a "certain age" are supposed to cut our hair short and she didn't!). She always wore jewelry. Now, she's gone.
My cat Maui died Tuesday morning. You're either thinking, "dear God, not another one!" or "big deal, it was an animal." Except I really really love animals. And I rescued her from my yard a year and a half ago. She was saved from certain death because I got her to the vet on time. Only to die so soon after. She was a kind and good animal. Just coming out of her shell. After my Shadow and Belvedere died in December, she stepped in and took their place as my sleeping companion. Now, she's gone.
And there was other news that makes me ask, "why? Why?! WHY?!" I want to scream it from my yard. I want to wail like a two-year old than cry quietly like we adults are expected to.
"Everything happens for a reason." And that's made me think, what is the reason?!
I've decided that the reason is that we need to embrace life. We need to understand what is important. We need to hug our families...kiss our kids even if they think they are too old for that...hug them when they get home and when they leave...we need to hold on to our husbands...put down the Ipods and start talking and listening...we need to hold our pets and talk to them. We need to spend time with friends...call family. Email someone a note.
Tell people you love them. Don't let a day go by without saying it and meaning it.
Life changes so fast. It's unpredictable. Appreciate what you have.
Understand that it's not what you have...but who you have. It's not a house...it's a home. It's not things...it's people. We are given a gift and need to accept it with open hearts and minds. Life is too precious to waste on regrets and remorse.
Take a minute to count your blessing. And thank your god for them! I am...
