As I write this blog, it's thundering outside, there is heavy downpour, and I am preparing for 2 days of hell. We lost my great aunt Dolores this weekend. She was a beautiful woman; kind, caring, selfless, young at heart, with the warmest smile you could ever imagine. You'd never know anything was wrong, but I knew she didn't have an easy life. Nothing was handed to her, she had her share of problems, yet you'd never know. Her bright eyes and her beautiful spirit revealed nothing but happiness, appreciation for life, and beauty.
Funerals are never easy. I have an incredibly hard time grasping death. No matter how spiritual I am, there is just something so unreal about it to me. No matter the age of the person, how sick they were, whatever the case may be - you are never prepared to say goodbye. There's no doubt today and tomorrow will be brutal, but I am choosing to try my hardest to view these two days as a celebration of Dolores' life...of all our lives.
I find that the happiest people are those who have been through the most. When you experience a loss, or even come close to it, it really puts things in perspective. You realize that nothing is guaranteed, and every peaceful moment is a gift.
So no matter what you're going through right now, take a few moments to celebrate the good stuff. Celebrate your health, your family, your home, your friends, your love, your career, your children - whatever it is, embrace it, appreciate it and know that it is meant for you to enjoy and to cherish. This life is short, it is unpredictable, and it is precious. My mantra
is to celebrate each day, and although I remind myself of that daily, it
really hits home at times like these.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Funerals are never easy. They bring up so many feelings to the surface.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great attitude! Hang in there, even if it is pouring rain in both Paris and NY!
I'm thinking of you today, Cara.
xo.
Thank you <3
DeleteSo sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteIt will take time to heal, but the best way I found is to talk and share things about your loved one with the people around you.
My children and I will never get over losing my husband/their dad, but we share the stories of his life and we can laugh and smile about this wonderful guy we had in our lives for a little while and it makes it easier to go on without him.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Juanita. And you are 100% right. We have to keep them alive in our hearts, always.
DeleteNo doubt it will be a bittersweet time....you are absolutely right, it makes us appreciate life, health and love. I'm sure you will feel surrounded by love this weekend.
ReplyDeleteHeather