Life and Love and Loss

I read this heart wrenching and powerful story this week in the New York Times Health section that made me think about life and love and loss. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/16/opinion/sunday/notes-from-a-dragon-mom.html?_r=1&nl=health&emc=healthupdateema10

Her son has a very rare disease and all the medical professionals believe he won’t live to age three. The disease basically paralyzes him so it’s a slow and painful death. She lives each day with a profound love for this little boy who has come into her world. She allows him to do what he wishes, eat what he wants, and cherishes everything he brings to this world. Can you imagine if we all lived our lives in this way with every person who touches our worlds?

Stories like this often remind me of my little sister, Melissa and I find myself wishing that she was still here in this world. Even little things, like calling her when I’m having a hard day or going to her house for dinner. As I get older, it would be nice to just have her around. I know that her children, Tanner, Koby and Analiese wish the same. They will never have a mother to confide in or to watch them graduate from college or to listen to them when they experience joy or pain. 

I mentioned in an earlier blog that my friend Joe Panzetta took the words of my eulogy from Melissa’s funeral and made them into a song called Carried by the Sun.  I thought I would share the words of that song with you….it’s a beautiful song.

Carried by the Sun…

We all gathered here. In celebration of your life.  With all the laughter and your tears and your short time here with us. When I think of you I see someone who gave all that she could. I just wish that you could be all the things I knew you would. And I promise you today that your children will be loved. We will teach them all your ways. Things you held dear to your heart. 

You were carried by the sun away from everyone. The better life you hoped for has finally just begun. I think of all the things you did. The way you worked so hard. All the things you shared will never be that far. 

We are all gathered here. In celebration of your life. With your laughter and your tears and your short time here with us. And your short time here with us. And your short time here with us. 

People touch our worlds in very powerful ways. Even if it’s only for a short while.  Whether its 3 years like Rohan in the New York Times article or 26 years like Melissa Jones. Our challenge is to enjoy the moments that we have while we’re all here and alive. 

Melissa died with $5 dollars in her pocket. I struggled for years afterwards, and still do, thinking that I didn’t or shouldn’t save my money. I thought I should spend every cent, every paycheck and really enjoy life. Emily and Project Money have helped me think differently. I think and I hope that I’ll be on this earth for a bit longer. And if that’s the case then I need the resources to enjoy life when I’m older. You know that saying that money doesn’t buy happiness. I’m pretty sure that for me and probably for many others who don’t have it, that it certainly helps!!!

 

 

Comments

[Cheryl T.]

That gave me goosebumps. Thanks for sharing.