saying goddbye

We lost an amazing woman in our family. Shannon's grandmother, Mayme Hunter, passed away at the age of 97. She was incredibly healthy physically even though she suffered from some dementia in her last few years. We all thought she might out live us by several generations. She didn't suffer with sickness, thankfully, she just went peacefully after a long life. She was such a sweet soul and her life will be remembered with great fondness.

We also said goodbye to an immediate member of our family. Fat Cat Jill was 12 years old and passed away from kidney failure this past Friday night. She was a constant fixture on whoever 's lap was available. She let her presence be known by hollering loudly through out the house no matter the time. I will especially miss her. She used to follow me around, yelling at me to sit down when I was having a bad day. She would then crawl into my lap to make sure I stayed put and proceed to knead my colon area. Strange how she knew that's where I am sick. Maybe this is why God gave us dominion over animals. Thomas will miss her too, though he may not admit it. She used to sleep with him and would follow him around the house since she was a kitten. They had a strong bond.

Death is a funny thing. It can be a blessing or it can be a tragedy. Either way, it is sure to affect you profoundly. It makes you take stock in your life. Are you happy? Is there something you need to complete? Someone to make amends with? Unfinished business can be a driving life force.

I have visited my own mortality a couple of times in the past few years. After my stay at Scott & White hospital, I took stock in what is really important to me. I vowed not to take even one day for granted. I want to live life to it's fullest. I want those around me to know how much I care for them. I want to help those in need and do what I can to improve life in general for all those I come in contact with. I am trying to put aside the superficial and focus on the supernatural. 

There's an old saying: " A man on his death bed will not look back and say 'I should have put more time in at the office.' He will regret not taking time to enjoy life and those close to him." I am taking this to heart the older I get. Life is about experiences not check lists. I will strive to get the necessary work done but I will not pass up the moments to enjoy the unexpected, unplanned and be spontaneous for those times are what make life grand. We were meant to enjoy this place that God created for us and I am committed to it.