Last week, my really good friend got the call. Not the good kind we author's often dream about. Just the opposite. The worst kind you can get . . . her mother (who had been suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease) was fading fast, and could she come?
Then, completely unrelated, Tropical Storm Lee paid us a visit. And let me tell you, I have never seen rain come down that hard for so long. Truly, it was astounding to watch. So I really can't blame the mother who went outside with her son and daughter to enjoy the amazingness of something I had surely never seen in my lifetime.
My heart still breaks when I think about it. A flash flood---right through their backyard---that swept away her 12-year-old son.
And of course, the week culminated with Sept.11. The tenth anniversary, no less. I sat at my computer last night and I looked through National Geographic's 25 indelible pictures, and I felt the horror of that day once again.
The point of all this is that life is too short to worry about things that don't matter (like drying the tupperware). It's also too short to NOT worry about the things that do. Play with your kids, call your parents or siblings. Tell them you love them, and don't let things that really don't matter get in the way.
And you know how you've been putting off editing that book you wrote? Or writing anything past the first chapter? Or querying the book you just finished? Well Nike knew what they were talking about:
Just Do It.
Don't wait. Because life's too short.
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29 comments:
Amen :-)
That's horrible about the boy. A man drowned not long ago in my city. We had a flash flood. He went out to move his car and got sucked under it. Passer bys couldn't get him out. You don't think it can happen, but it can. Never underestimate the power of rain.
Life is too short. That's why I always tell my husband and kids that I love them. You never know when it's your last day.
You are so right. That's why after 9/11 my husband I moved out of the big city to a smaller community, so I didn't have to work full-time and could get serious about writing.
So sorry to hear about the mom who's 12 year old son was washed away by the flash flood. She will no doubt find it difficult to ever forgive herself :(
Absolutely. I'm so sorry about your friend and how terrible for the family who lost their son. Gosh. Yesterday was definitely a somber occasion that had the world reliving and re-evaluating. *Hugs* Thanks for sharing with us.
Oh my gosh. Her son was carried away? That just breaks my heart!
I have to agree with you, you just never know. Do the important things. Great reminder.
Hi Janet .. stories of life .. and gosh aren't some so sad and devastating in their suddenness - the mother I feel for, so much - that must be just so devastating ...
Disease, death and destruction - too close to so many .. Life is definitely too short ... and must be lived and shared with our loved ones.
Have a peaceful week .. Hilary
Thank you for this.
I'm sorry to hear about your friends mother. And 9/11? There are no words for that. It sucks! It's never easy. All I can say is with time it gets better, it takes a long time and a scar form, but heal? Don't let people fool you. Here's to looking to the future though, and honoring those memories and living life they way they would want us to.
We lost a good friend suddenly last month- thank you for reminding us what really matters.
I loved the post title and it got my attention- but the content is what kept and will haunt me.
hugs
bru
Such a good message. And sometimes the events in life call for a serious post to help us remember what really matters. Thanks for sharing.
That's so awful about the little boy (and the mum of your friend). You are right about life being too short. We should always remember what really matters! Hugs.
You are so right. Life is too short. Thanks for this timely reminder.
Such wise words, Janet! So sad about your friend's mother and the family in the flash flood. Devastating.
I think I'll go to work on revisions now, and just do it! :o)
Have a great Monday!
Thanks for the reminder. So sad about the little boy. And your friend's mom. And 9/11, which is easy to forget in the day-to-dayness of life.
You are so right...Get out there and enjoy your life. Have no regrets.
wow. You go, girl. Way to turn it all into a reminder to get off our butts.
That's my CUF. :o) ((hugs))
Agreed. I don't dry my Tupperware either. Family and friends and love and spreading joy should come first. Always.
Great post, Janet.
Very powerful stories of real pain, loss and life. I found your blog through a comment on another blog and I want to give you the Versatile Blogger award. I don't know if you are interested in this but I do know I am thankful it brought me to this post. My beloved and hilarious mother died very unexpectedly last November. I will never be the same. Her death is the major reason I am writing and writing and writing now. Peace to your friend and the family of the boy. We are so strong and so fragile.
Hi Janet - over at www.notesfrominnisfree.blogspot.com, I've nominated you for the Versatile Blogger award. Check it out!
A nice cut and dry post. You're right on every single point. What a torrent of events to occur but yes, we must enjoy the simple things and people who are important to us. What a kick in the butt about the editing and writing. How did you know me? :-)
I'm a campaigner, by the way. Not in your group but thought I'd swing by anyway. :-)
www.totsymae.com
I love this. It actually gave me chills. It also made me want to go hug my daughter, which I will do as soon as she wakes up from her nap. Thanks for the lovely reminder.
Such sad news. Prayers for your friend and her family. And you are right. What are we waiting for?
Great sentiment and very well put. Thank you.
What a lovely post. I'm glad you came out of the hurricane madness okay. :) And you're so right. Life is fragile and fleeting. Just LIVE it.
Simple, yet very effective. Just Do It! Sorry to hear the sad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Amen to that, sister. Amen.
Such terrible sadness and tragedy. But your post is lovely and true and a welcome reminder. Thank you for sharing this even as you are feeling somber. I will keep your friend and the family of that boy in my thoughts and prayers.
You're so right!
What a beautiful post. My heart goes out to that poor mother of the 12 year old boy. We truly have to hold onto every minute we have.
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