A Life Cut Short

A friend of mine died this week. She wasn’t a close friend, but we had been members of the same group for many years, and saw each other at meetings and various social gatherings. Although we hadn’t spoken since my family moved to another city, we kept in contact through Facebook.

My friend was a kind and generous person who loved her family very much. Her death was unexpected because she had not been ill. She had been on a weekend getaway with her husband of twenty-four years, and collapsed suddenly due to a massive stroke. She was taken off life support this week.

She was just 46 years old.

The news of her death broke my heart. Her husband and three beautiful children have been on my heart and mind all week. I can’t imagine the shock and grief they must be experiencing. I am so sorry for their loss and for the lifetime of experiences they will not be able to share with her.

Life can be stressful. There are so many obligations pulling us in all different directions, especially this time of year. But my friend’s death reminded me that life is fleeting; that despite our plans and seemingly good health, really tragic and life-altering things can happen in an instant.

My daughter complained yesterday that I was hugging her too tight. I’ve hugged my family members much tighter this week, and I’ve taken every opportunity I can to tell them how much I love them. I want to make sure that if this is my last day on earth, I’ve left them with enough love to last them a lifetime.