The First Lesson:
This past weekend was a growing experience for our little family. My 2nd cousin's dad passed away from heart failure due to complications from a surgery and previous stroke. Although, he didn't pass away until last Tuesday, he was basically gone from the moment he had his stroke a couple years ago. Of course everyone hoped he would make a full recovery, but a week shy of his 61st birthday his heart stopped. It was a very emotional time for my parents. My dad grew up with both his cousin and her future husband, and he shared many memories with them. He was a groomsman at their wedding. When I was little, my 2nd cousin and I were nearly inseparable, but all of that's changed now. We barely know each other past Facebook, and the last time I saw her was almost 10 years ago. Wow. Time flies.
The funeral was a few days after his passing, and unfortunately I was not able to reconnect with the family in attendance due to matters beyond my control. I spent the entire journey back home contemplating the real inconvenience of the matter. Had that not been my first chance to reconnect with my family since my Uncle's passing, I don't think I would have been nearly as bummed. Yes, we have been living in Utah and visiting hasn't exactly been an option, but it can be now. I resolved to spend more time figuring out ways to visit family even through the inconvenience of carting my kids around the state. I should not take this for granted. Family time here on earth is very short, and it really is the only thing that matters in this life, family I mean.
So my take away from the weekend was to appreciate the time I was able to spend with my Grandpa while we stayed with him, since that was the only extended family member I was really able to spend more than 5 minutes with. And to appreciate the fun connection that my kids made with their Great-Grandpa! They love him, and they can't wait to see him again. So much time has passed since I was their age and couldn't wait to see Grandpa again, and I am so glad my children get enjoy the same joys and anticipations!
I love being close to my family, it is teaching me not to take it for granted... or, perhaps, my time in Utah taught me not to.
The second lesson:
On our way back home from the funeral we found out that a dear friend of mine from Utah had only just found out her youngest son (2 yrs old) has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). And the treatments for this are going to be loooong and drastic. Chemo will start right away and last for years. There is a hope that he will have a full recovery, with a 90% cure rate, but it is devastating. Cancer. This family has always been an example to me, and I love my friend to pieces. She had her children fairly close, but as I remember her, she always seemed to have it together, even through the chaos of life!
They knew something was up with their son as he was always getting sick, but they never even thought of cancer.... how many parents actually think of that?
The whole world seemed to be narrowing in when I found out. I had the sudden urge to drop everything to be by her side. Luckily, we come from a great neighborhood of amazing people all stepping up to help this wonderful family! But it really taught me that life is really all about family. We should never take them for granted. My friend's life will drastically change from here on out, but she has been the greatest example to me of putting family first, she hasn't taken her sweet family for granted, and now she is being blessed with so much support through this difficult time.
Through these stories and experiences I have done a great deal of reflecting. Family is first and foremost, but friends do help a lot! I have decided that there is a difference between being positive and being private. Being completely private through great trials rarely helps me, but being positive is key when sharing anything personal. I am trying very hard to be a glass half full type of person, and although I am no longer an open book, I have decided that I won't be a closed one either. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff, and it is too long to go it alone. Family and friends are here to help one another through this sojourn on the earth. And what better people can we share our precious time with than those we hold dear!?
I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband and children who love me and help me be a better person! I am blessed to have amazing examples in my family and friends, and so much support!
Life is short! Make it sweet!
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