Live each day like it could be your last

[Casey H]

HiI hope this doesn't come off too depressing. We've already been talking about dealing with our aging parents.Over the past week, a soccer-Mom friend of ours passed away from cancer. About six months ago, she was sitting at games, cheering her daughter (who plays with mine) on. Then, she wasn't feeling well and suddenly found out that she had advanced cancer. Also, in the same week, someone we know lost her 21 year old son in a car accident. And Ern posted about his niece being critically injured (we still pray for her!).When you hear things like this, you realize how precious life is and how you never know what will happen tomorrow. We need to show our loved ones how much we love them. We need to enjoy life and remember how insignificant the little things that we worry about from day to day really are.I once read that if they staged a car accident on the side of the highway every ten miles, the number of accidents would be cut dramatically, since when you drive by an accident you are suddenly more careful for awhile. Maybe they need to stage a tragedy every ten days of our lives to get us to stop and think.Life is so precious. Hug your spouse, significant other, kids, and whoever is special in your lives...Casey

[ernstinen]

Casey,That is one of the most poignant posts I've read on forums.You are so right! People forget what they have.My mom died of cancer when I was 15, and my stepmom in my 20's.My dad checked out wife #3 like a racehorse. He wouldn't pair up with her without a great physical checkout!Like you said, I've been profoundly affected by Margaret's condition. I spent all afternoon recording my version of the Beach Boy's "Barbara Ann" (Margaret Ann). It's amazing how trying to sing Beach Boys harmonies really put you in your place! Not easy to do. Brian Wilson was a genius!But I hear Margaret will clinacally be brought out of her coma tomorrow ---Ern

[hummingbird]

Casey, you are so right. It's too easy to get busy and forget to call those loved ones or spend quality time with them. We just don't know how long we have with other people.... nor do we know how long we have ourselves. It's really the only thing that truly matters.Ern, I hope Margaret is going to be okay. My thoughts will be with you tomorrow.You know, I used to be very shy (I know it's hard to believe, but it's true), and I always pushed people away, thinking I was protecting myself from being hurt. But really I was hurting myself by not letting people in. My musical journey has opened my mind and my world so much. So I'd like to say how much I appreciate the friendship and support I have received from members of this forum. Ya'll add something special to my life. Thanks for being you,warmlyVikki

[pitterpatter]

I think I can hear the theme song from the Life of Brian playing in my head. "Always look on the bright side of life. Just before you draw your terminal breathe. If life seems jolly rotten, there's something you've forgotten, and that's to laugh and dance and sing." You are so right, Casey. We have to treasure the moments. What frightens me is that we often don't realize how good those moments are until they are taken away from us. If you lost your eyesight, you'd really appreciate what you had. So, the trick is to be grateful along the way. Oprah writes in a gratitude journal every night. I think that's a very sound way to focus on the good. The glass is half empty and it is half full. You can choose to dwell on the negative or on the positive. There will always be both but, what you focus your mind on grows so be careful what you focus your mind on. I really think gratitude is one of the secrets of happiness.

[booker]

There's a glass? My life's more of a "poured out on the table" kinda thing. I try to spread across and touch as many folks as I can.

[pitterpatter]

Quote:There's a glass? My life's more of a "poured out on the table" kinda thing. I try to spread across and touch as many folks as I can.Yes. There's a glass. You're supposed to use a glass. You've been using a table? ... Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[augustheat]

Casey:Thanks for the inspiring reminder...I have a tendency (far too often) to magnify the "insignificant" things that go on in my little world. I have this knack for letting stupid things get me down and take me out of my game. While I always try to help others and make a difference, the "life-crap" always seems to cloud things over. That's the life of a perfectionist...Lately, I've been putting things more into proper perspective. As silly as it sounds, I've decided to start "responding," rather than "reacting" to the twists and turns of life events. Also, I'm trying to tame my perfectionism. I've come to realize I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams. God has been quite good to me, even though I don't deserve it.I'm thankful for so much. I have God, my family, my health, and my passion for creativity. I have three teenagers whom I love dearly, and who count on me for love and support. That's really about all I need to stay passionate for life.Casey, you're so right. Not only do we need to appreciate our loved ones, but we also need to extend a hand to those who are going through trying times. Maybe we could do something as a small group for your friend's family. I'm kind of a big "Prayer-with-action" kind of guy. Anyone can pray, but backing it up with action is what makes the world go 'round!Blessings,

[booker]

That's it. Be a thermostat instead of a thermometer. (yeah, yeah, cliche') I know

[jchitty]

Hi, CaseyVery poignant thread. I normally don't reply to threads of a more personal nature because I'm new here, and I don't know people that well, but this thread hit home for me. I am a cancer survivor, eight years now. I am saddened that your friend has passed away....hopefully, one day, no one will die from the disease. Sorry to hear about your friend's son as well. I think your point about showing love for your loved ones while they're still around to share it is so well said. Cancer can be a horrible thing in so many ways, but in an odd way...it can be a gift....it teaches us to be more loving, patient and not to sweat the small stuff so much. So many strides are being made in cancer treatment....one day, there will be a cure so that people like you friend won't have to leave loved ones behind. Once again, sorry for your loss and for your friend's daughter's loss.

[augustheat]

Jchitty:Whenever you aren't feeling shy, I would love to hear your story!Blessings,Craig