Loss

Death is a natural part of life.  As a child, it seems like a far off entity that does not much affect our daily lives.  The older we get, the more death hits closer to home with the people we love.

I debated on whether or not to post a blog, with this content, during the holidays.  But death does not care what time of year it is.  And for some reason, I felt compelled to post the video in today’s Motivational Moment now, since some people have a hard time during the holidays.  On a lighter note, my friend told me today was Festivus, which includes an "Airing of Grievances" and "Feats of Strength"; I knew it was serendipitous that I post today (even though Festivus is a Seinfeld creation), since this post fits both the "Airing of Grievances" as well as "Feats of Strengths").  

Ten days ago, I received a call from my friend, but I was not able to answer the phone at the time.  When I listened to the message a little while later, I was brought to my knees with what I heard.  It turns out the call was not from my friend; it was from her mom.  She was calling all of the contacts on my friend’s phone to let them know that she had passed away two days earlier.  I did not see this coming.  I knew she had horrible joint pain and leg pain, but I never realized she was close to death.  I was not aware that her diabetes had become out of control and would end up being her final battle on earth.

This woman was full of strength, despite her physical pain and was one of the funniest women I have ever known (which is impressive considering the pain she was in).  I am fortunate that I happened to tell her this past Thanksgiving (which ended up being less than two weeks before her death), how appreciative I was that our paths crossed at our last place of employment.  It was truly a pleasure knowing her.

The celebration of her life was beautiful and the strength of her mom was nothing short of amazing.  She has now buried three out of her four children and yet she is at peace with this world and said to me that “God is good”.  I was humbled, as well as honored, by being invited to attend this celebration of my friend’s life.

DeeLish – Thank you for all the laughs and good food!  I know that you love soaring with the angels now that you are free from your worldly pain.

Missing You and Cherishing the Memories,

Me

Motivational Moment:

My sister forwarded THIS link to me a couple of weeks ago and I really found it encouraging.  The speaker in this video, Jane McGonigal, is mesmerizing to listen to and her personal story is truly inspirational.  We all need to take heed with the regrets from those on their death bed and make sure we are living a life true to ourselves.

At the dawn of a new year, I wish you all a life with no regrets, which is true to yourself and true to your dreams.  Peace, my friends.