Write It Wednesday – Fall 2018
I do not like having to go into a heavy topic this early in the blogging universe, but as is life, we take it as it comes.
Recently we lost someone who was a part of our lives. A friend who was so full of life that when we learned of her death, I was devastated. She had been ill for awhile, but you would never have known it. She knew how precious life is and she lived each and everyday to its fullest. She did not live it like it was her last, she just lived it. I have learned a lot since the announcement was made.
She came into our lives when she met and fell in love with a longtime and dear friend of ours. We opened our arms and embraced her, initially because she made our friend happy, but eventually and more importantly because she made us happy too. What she brought to our friendship was light! She loved her child, all her grandchildren and everyone else and it did not matter who she would be talking about, the light of love showed all over her face.
Losing her this early in her life opened my mind, heart and “eyes” to the little things in everyday. I need to be better about making that call, sending that quick text to say hi, or that card because it reminds me of you, or to get together for dinner, go to that movie, eat at that restaurant or take that trip – do it, do it now.
Losing a friend brings a different sense of loss to a person. When my father passed away, I felt a deep sense of my life losing a part of me. When a friend passes, we still feel a sense of loss in our lives, but I believe it truly opens our minds to understand our feelings – why are we using our days the way we are? Why aren’t we doing the things we love? Maybe we have to earn a living or aren’t at a point that doing what we love can support us – it doesn’t matter – answer the questions honestly, find out why you can’t or aren’t doing what you love. Look into the mirror and be honest with yourself.
My friend is gone. She no longer has to continue the hard fight she waged so valiantly for years. She is no longer tired. Her beautiful soul soars to new heights. She is with each of us as we remember our past with her. She is with us each day we choose to live to the fullest. She will be with me, shoving me forward when I am not sure. It will be my thought of her that will allow my spirit to take flight.
I have lost my father, my in-laws, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, but with this one, during this time in my life, this one has opened more doors to what I should be doing, what I need to be doing and what I want to be doing, before it is too late for me. I love my friend and will miss her, but am so thankful she stepped into my life, no matter how briefly it may seem….