Monday, April 13, 2009

Not So Good News

"Police are looking for a BMW that may have started a fatal chain reaction car crash that claimed the lives of 5 people, one an infant." Over and over again, that was this morning's headline news on every news channel in my city. At 7:46 am, I received a call and learned that one of the cars involved was carrying a dear friend and her family, a spouse and 2 children. Speechless, amazed, confused, perplexed ... the call put a knot in my chest that has yet to leave.

Death has an uncanny way of causing many (or maybe just me) to take an immediate inventory of life. Are we living life to the fullest? Are we enjoying the present because it really is a gift? Are we appreciative to our family and friends, and more importantly, do they know it? How many friends have we scheduled and rescheduled and rescheduled lunch with, never really having the time to do so because we're all so "busy"? At times I can be such a planner and goal seeker that as a result I get off balance.

My friend was truly a person who was bigger than life. She dedicated her life to motivating and inspiring others and I'm not joking, this is really what she did. She was "that" kind of woman - you know the kind - the one who makes lemonade out of lemons, the one who can see the diamonds in the dirt, the one who can work around the thorns to get to the roses, that woman. A woman's woman. From my vantage point, she definitely practiced what she preached. Her life was a celebration, she was an over comer, she pursued her dreams and helped others to pursue theirs as well. She will be deeply missed but this I know, because she impacted so many people's lives, her legacy will continue.

I've been struggling with making a few decisions primarily because of finances. Now yes, money is important but I get sick and tired of it being the driving force in many of my decisions. In an instant our entire world could change so now that I've been painfully reminded of that, I need to take inventory and make sure that I'm living in today and not just for tomorrow.

4 comments:

Shtinkykat said...

My condolences to your loss. Maintaining a balance between financial responsibility and living life to its fullest potential is a common struggle. A sudden death really does put life in a different perspective. Take care Miss MC.

Anonymous said...

I too am sorry to hear of your loss.

It is true that we get wrapped up in the future and not the present. I am also taking stock to make sure that i am living in the present. Probably because my kids are outgrowing me my the minute and I can't claim those moments back.

May the sun shine brightly for you today and bless you with its warmth.

jpkittie said...

I am so sorry - my thoughts are with you right now.

Ms. MoneyChat said...

ladies, thank you so much for your kind words. they are truly appreciated.