in happiness and sadness

When does one family have to experience the utter bliss of a wedding while spending the same weekend organizing a viewing for the sudden death of another immediate family member? I can't imagine that happens often, and thank god it doesn't.

Last Thursday I learned the awful news of my cousin being hit and killed while helping a friend on the side of a road. Untimely and tragic. I immediately booked myself on the first flight I could get going East to join my family in what was bound to be a difficult weekend despite having a lovely wedding day planned on Saturday. And boy am I glad I did - I just can't imagine having been anywhere else but by the side of my family - especially my aunt and uncle who lost their son.

Today would've been Jimmy's 31st birthday and instead of celebrating, we spend the day honoring his life and hoping he's having his own party wherever he is now. Jimmy had such a kind heart and soul - his smile and energy lit up a room as did his sick DJ skills. Having suffered from rheumatoid arthritis since he was 10 years old, Jimmy knew of a life of physical pain but despite that he embraced life to its fullest and brought spirit and love everywhere he went. He will be missed greatly by so many. He leaves behind a wife, Amber, and 10 year old son who looks exactly like him, Skyler, in addition to siblings and parents who love him unconditionally.

I can't help but reflect on life overall as I reflect on this visit back to PA - such a reminder of not just how precious it is, but truly how it can change in an instant. That my aunt and uncle can say see you later to their son, and he say see you soon buddy to his son as he leaves their house, and a 1/2 hour later he's gone. Crazy. As I went to see Jimmy to say my goodbyes yesterday, looking at him in his biker outfit, I thought to myself the best way I can honor his life is to ensure I live mine the way he lived his. With spirit, enthusiasm, kindness, forgiveness and love.

So as I watched my little cousin and her new husband say their personally written vows to each other promising a life of strength, forgiveness and love and then later saw my other cousin in his final resting place I'm left with one simple thought - life is meant to be cherished. Truly, we get one chance around the game board, so let's each be incredibly intentional about how that time is spent. For me, it's about living, laughing and loving with those who welcome you as much as you welcome them. And maybe if we could all put a lot more emphasis on the preciousness of what we have then maybe there would be a lot less drama and missed opportunities and much more love and kindness to go around.