I receive a call from Steph today. She told me her brother-in-law, who has been very sick and in the hospital, is near the end. Although I did not personally know him, it made me very sad and upset to hear the suffering he's been through. It was sad that he lost hope and rather than doing everything to fight, try surgery that may take his voice but give him life, he chose to not try. I understand how difficult it must be and I know how living with pain can be intolerable. So while I wish he tried harder I understand the choice he made. I told her to take him out. To give him one last adventure outside. To the beach or to the park. Or even just outside the hospital. Even 5 or 10 minutes to breath the fresh air and feel the sunshine on his face. Have a last good moment to enjoy life. She took my advice, and she and her husband and daughter packed into to the car but unfortunately on the way to the hospital to see him, they got the phone call. He passed on. It brings tears to my eyes and I wish they had at least been there for him during his passing. I'm sure he knows the love was there and at last he is at peace.
Just a minute after I receive Steph's call with this news. My phone rang again. This time it was my aunt. My aunt takes care of my two daughters while I'm at work. More big news. This time happy news. She called to tell me that my oldest daughter lost her first tooth today. My daughter got on the phone and told me. I could hear the excitement in her voice. I have mixed feelings. My little girl is growing up so fast but I'm happy for this big stepping stone in her life. When I got home I made a big deal about it. I would have anyway but I think a made an extra big deal because life is so precious and these little things in life are big moments that we should celebrate. We just finished watching "Despicable Me" over the weekend so with that in mind and my best impersonation I gave her several, "This is a big deal!" and she laughed. Of course we took pictures. I made a big production at bedtime and we all gathered in her bedroom to reveal the tooth one last time before wrapping it up and putting it under her pillow for the tooth fairy tonight. I know the tooth fairy will bring her something special for her very first tooth. And she already has the new tooth coming in! I can't even believe it.
Cherish every moment because every moment is special. Life is short. Life is precious. Enjoy making memories every day. And work each day to make all your dreams come true.
Jan
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