Tell those you love that you love them. Because life is fleeting. And death is all around us.
A powerhouse vivacious woman I went to school with my entire life, every day from kindergarten through eighth grade and all of the field trips and overnights in between, died today after a tragic accident. My best friend’s beloved grandfather passed away. My 88-year-old great aunt is fighting Covid. Nearly 4,000 Americans died today of the virus, and will die tomorrow and tomorrow’s tomorrow, setting ghastly records and crossing horrific milestones. In addition to reading (or avoiding) the grim news cycle, in battling my own health issues, I find myself researching and being presented with statistics and stories about death repeatedly.
It’s all just too much sometimes, especially senseless loss of life. She turned 30 just this month, the big birthday at which we’re all arriving. She leaves behind a precious newly two-year-old boy, of whom she was so proud. She has a loving family and dearest friends who rightfully adored her, and my heart is with each one of them. She radiated sparkling energy, powerful conviction, adventurous nature, and a beautiful soul (with the best smile you ever did see!), all of which shine through in even this simple note from our last exchange earlier this year, after too long of not being in touch. SHE ALWAYS MADE PEOPLE FEEL LOVED, and took time to do just that. As I reread these words, I feel her incredible joyful essence and generosity of spirit and say prayers that her memory may forever be a blessing and that all who know and love her find strength in carrying her light and goodness and zest for life onwards forever.
Oh how I wish that “future” time were in this life, dear sweet girl.
I send out only love, as I repeat to myself and my close ones and to you what I seek to practice daily: Tell those you love that you love them. Because life is fleeting. And death is indeed all around us.