In One Word: MEMORIES

Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind
Memories, sweetened through the ages just like wine

[Verse]
Quiet thoughts come floating down
And settle softly to the ground
Like golden autumn leaves around my feet
I touched them and they burst apart with sweet memories
Sweet memories – Elvis

It often takes a tragic event or sad event to reflect back on the good times.  There is such irony in this.  We spend so much time and energy worrying, criticizing and thinking about the negative.  Instead of focusing on worry, criticism or negativity, we should be focusing on all the positive as those are the memories we wish to have and more importantly, leave others with.

A very dear friend of mine who suffered from ALS passed away just last week.  She was 52 and while she passed away so very young, she “lived” – she truly “lived” and through our memories will “live” on forever.

While ALS took her life, it did not define her life.  By the way, she was also a two time cancer survivor – she was a real tough cookie!

Her smile was infectious.  Her spirit was second to none.  Her care, her love her positivity…. I could go on and on.  If she were to be compared to a Superhero (which many believe she was) – she would be Wonder Woman.

She was also real to herself and real with those around her.  When she was in a room, you knew it.  Courageous – spoke her mind but not simply to hear herself.  She said it like it was.  Above all, that is something I greatly admired.  She was not afraid.  If she did not like where things were headed, she was bold enough to insert herself and try to course correct.  Of course she was not always successful but (unlike most) she tried and spoke her mind.

I had known her for 30+ years.  I listened to the words at her service and looked around the room deeply into the eyes of all attendees.  While I saw tears and sadness, my memory will be of all those lives that this amazing person touched and will forever touch…. While I know the road ahead will be difficult for all, the memories will push us through.

I share this not so that you will feel sad, and not so that you send the obligatory “So sorry for your loss” note.

Rather, I share this as a message.  When others look back and think of you- what will their memories be?

Begin each day reflecting on all the good you have.  Whatever you are going through, there are others that have it far worse.

Smile at others.  Surround yourself with an uplifting circle of those that will raise you up when you are down.  Be real – with others and above all, with yourself.  

I will end with a statement on my friend’s Facebook posts – “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Tomorrow just may simply be too late. This includes telling people that you love them.”