Some
of her last words to me “I’m not afraid to die”. I remember letting that
statement go right over my head, I mean, I didn’t even stop to question what
was making her say that to me. I mean, we were helping with a
housewarming party, I had come down from school to visit, these were happy
times, she looked healthier than she had been, and oddly the most peaceful I
had seen her in a long time, so peaceful that I remember looking at her but
feeling as though I was looking “into” her and feeling what she was
feeling. It was so soothing, so calm, so peaceful. So peaceful that
I am forever grateful for that moment. See, In retrospect, her
breathing was a little laborious, and she was tired. So tired that that
day turned out to be my very last day seeing her as I had known her all of my
life…. Yet, I still am truly grateful for “that moment”. Not
only has that moment helped me to handle things easier because I knew she was
at peace with it, she wasn’t afraid. That MOMENT, has taught me so many other
things as well… it has taught me that if you stay focused on the good, you
don’t have time to think about the bad. It has taught me the importance of
enjoying and living in the moment (oh, how we forget sometimes), It has taught
me to treasure moments, experiences, and people, and it serves as a reminder
that these bodies of ours are temporary, some last longer than others, but we
don’t know when and how any of us are going to go.
What
we do know is that we are here, right now! And there are so many beautiful
moments to be experienced. Tunnel Vision Folks! Keep focused on the
beauty of now, and look to the beauty that lies ahead. Let that inner you
shine so bright that when others look at you they feel as though they can see
“into” you, and may the beauty that you see imprint itself on
you…..forever