Sunday, June 14, 2009

The Friends Who Have Walked In And Out Of Our Lives...

Do you ever think back on some of the wonderful people who have walked in and out of your life over the years? Sometimes, all it takes for me is driving by the house they used to live in. Unfortunately, I'm also forced to remember them when they pass away from this world.

It's a well-known fact that I'm no stranger to death. I've lost countless friends and loved ones to an endless array of ailments and diseases and tragedies. Each and every death makes me wonder about the old saying "Only the good die young". From what I have seen over the years, it appears to be true. I mean, I'm still here for some crazy reason, which will probably explain a lot about me. I've never been an angel by any measure.

Today, I learned of an old friend's passing and it has really darkened my day. There have already been entirely too many deaths so far this year. All have been good, dear people and it has been difficult to lose them.

However, my friend Mary was an angel walking on this earth and my heart is cracking wide open for her family. The first time we met was when she and her family bought the house two doors down and our sons became fast friends throughout grade school, even though her son didn't attend the same school. Mine were young and still in private school at that point, but it never seemed to hinder their friendship. They eventually moved to another neighborhood, but I will always cherish the years they were our neighbors.

A few years ago, I'd heard that she and her husband had divorced and that she had moved back down to Kerrville, where she was originally from. By then, all of the kids were grown and I had not seen Mary more than a handful of times since they had moved away from our neighborhood. You know how it goes. We still managed to get the boys together all the time, but things seem to change when a friend is no longer living two-doors-down-the-street from you.

Still, when I read about her death today, I bawled my eyes out. There was no indication as to the cause of her demise, but she was ALWAYS good to my children and was always there to take up the slack for me, when I needed her to. She was one of the many blessings that floated in and out of our lives over the years. Mary was only 65 years old. That is only 9 years older than me…. Rest in peace, my friend.

It scares me a bit, because I want to be here until I'm old and crotchety, just like my ancestors that went before me. This is where I'm reminded that there is a reason why we don't know when we will be whisked away from this life in a mere breath.

Embrace life. Live each day as fully as you can. Love everyone as hard as you can, as long as you can… I've decided to not allow myself to get depressed. Instead, I'm going to use this as another reminder to get out there and live my life to the fullest degree. If I can find the energy, that is.

17 comments:

Rickrack and Pompoms said...

So Sad, but a good reminder to live life to the fullest. Every day is a gift.

Roan said...

Very sad. There are way too many good ones who die too soon. My heart goes out to you.

Heather Kerrigan said...

My daughter had to pull me off the computer to dance with her a mere 30 minutes ago. "Come on Mom, you deserve a break too," she said. I'm glad I stopped to dance, but sorry she had to ask me. I should have done it on my own.

Thanks for the reminder and God bless your friend and her family.

Sjn said...

sorry for the loss of your old friend... you're right though, it's a reminder that our time here is not infinite. Go out and do good, make a difference, and enjoy your time here on this earth. amen

Mental P Mama said...

Truer words were never spoken...it seems like I get this reminder a lot lately. So sorry to hear about your friend.

Staci said...

I'm so sorry about your friend.

Daryl said...

(((Liz))) ... so very sorry for your loss ..

Flea said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I hope you can speak into her boys' lives, if only briefly, now that she's gone.

Asthmagirl said...

TOG and I were just talking about the people who were there when we met. Two of them are gone now, and it's so sad.

I'm sorry for your loss...

Leave a Legacy said...

I'm so sorry about the loss of your dear friend. Life switches from good to hard in an instant, doesn't it? Thanks for the reminder to love hard and long. I'll try harder.
I sent you an award - go to http://mycharmingcreations.blogspot.com/ to receive

noble pig said...

Oh no. I know it's always hard to lose someone, even if it's from the past. Rest easy my friend.

imom said...

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. It really is a reminder to like everyday to it's fullest!

It you find some of that energy, will you let me know where, so I can find some too.

Marilyn *Pink Martinis and Pearls* said...

I hate those zingers and I'm sorry you experienced one today. They are horrible and it takes our breath away. They do however make us feel very alive in a slap in the face kind of way and we have to work through it. Very difficult. So sorry.

Mariah said...

I'm sosorry you are dealing with this. Seriously, life NEEDS to
s l o w down.

At least you have baby fox to look at. They're SO cute

imbeingheldhostage said...

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend! Thanks for the reminder to embrace each day.

Allison said...

So sorry for your loss, those things hurt. And good for you for using it as a reminder. If we never lost anyone dear to us, we'd likely take everyone for granted. Peace and blessings to you...

abb said...

Very sad. She was way too young. I have my first physical tomorrow. I expect to be thoroughly yelled at. But, like you, I want to live to be old and a pain to my kids - because I don't do what they tell me to - and so I know I have to change things...POOH!
That milk thistle is still on my daily menu. Thanks for the heads up on that. Hope it makes as big a difference for me as it did for you, Ms. Snoots.

 

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