We Aren't Getting Out of Here Alive

I have heard this saying often and in different ways. I even know of a book with this very title. This past week has been a testament to this maybe harsh but true message. In my realm of the world there has been loss of a friend's husband, my mom's cousin, the impending death of a high school friend, and several people diagnosed with cancer. I pray for all these people especially those who are battling the diagnoses that have good outlooks for survival. These illnesses and losses have me contemplating how we really need to make the most of our time on earth. It doesn't mean we have to make grand gestures to show we were here, but the small gestures that show our loved ones how much they mean to us. Chances are that by doing that, we will live on in their hearts and those that come after us in our families.

I was thinking that my age was what had me thinking these things and maybe it is to an extent, but we should all consider how we use the time we are granted on our beautiful planet. This is where families help each other in teaching the importance of good will toward others, lending a hand, or simply treating each other with respect, kindness, compassion and understanding. I think that if we just started within our families, things might be a little easier for us on the daily. These practices then move out into our other social groups and cause that beautiful ripple effect we know can happen.

Now, you do not have to be religious to consider this. If you are, you know that we are called to follow rules that bring us joy not only here on earth, but that will help us attain a spot in heaven. I have been thinking about some words the priest said today at the funeral mass Joel and I attended. "We enter this world with nothing, and be certain we leave with nothing. The certainty is that we all will leave this earth." I recommend to you to mend hurt feelings between loved ones, put away hateful rhetoric amongst each other, accept that there are differences between us all (physically, mentally, in our thinking, etc), and to remember that we all were put here to coexist. Make the most of your time because we are not promised tomorrow. I wish you abundances of joy and laughter with your family and friends.

Thank you for being part of my life's story and for helping me be a better person everyday.