Some Days

Some days things happen that are hard to take in.  Today was such a day for me.  The wife of one of Bob’s motorcycle buddies (one that I specially like) died this afternoon much before her time.  She was much younger than us, a kind dark haired woman with a special spark in her.  I always felt connected to her even though we haven’t seen them in years.  I’m sad and wonder what we can do for the left behind husband?  Someone I know and liked passing— shuffling off the mortal coil—dying, calls forth reflection about life’s ultimate questions.  I’m not sure I have any answers, but I am reminded once again that our time on earth is limited.  It calls to mind one of my favorite Bible verses, Micah 6:8–“What does God require of you?  To seek justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.”  I know it’s important to be kind, to be forgiving and to help and see the good in others.  We don’t always get second chances.  Life is not a rehearsal.  We’re living the real thing and nothing makes that clearer than a death.

Earlier in the day, I went over to have lunch with my walking buddy.  For many years now, we’ve been walking together once or twice a month, then having lunch.  In the last months, she’s lost so much weight, that she is very weak so we’ve met less often.  The last time I saw her, we walked together to a nearby restaurant that’s become our favorite.  She was very slow, but then she has been for months.  Today, when I got to her house, the front door was open and nobody was in the living room as I walked in.  Her son and his family were visiting and the son greeted me and said he wanted to talk.  It turns out my friend is so weak, she can’t even get out of bed without help.  She is no longer able to be alone in her house day or night.  Likely, it will never be the same again.  I don’t know what he is going to do, but I know that our walks and lunches are over.  My friend is my age, so I am acutely aware, failing can happen so fast.  At the gym later this afternoon, I worked extra hard, feeling so incredibly grateful I could exercise to keep my strength up.  Life is short and uncertain.  I want to focus each day on what’s important and live with joy and gratitude and love.  There’s not time for anything else.