Abrupt endings.

Now, more than ever, we should all be aware that life is precious. To live is to be lucky.

 Our day-to-day cares fade away in the face of the finality of death. Small worries are just that, and it is a privilege to be confronted with them, and have the opportunity to find solutions. Big worries have their place too, and the chance to navigate the challenges they present us with allow us to grow, if we remember to look at them that way.

Worries, big and small, can be conquered with a combination of effort and time; and the right outlook. Moving forward (whether in inches or in strides) is what covers the ground. Unless, of course, we are abruptly halted.

 When someone passes, they leave behind a void. It’s ironic that the void that they leave within others is so much greater than the physical space that they took up on earth.

 Perhaps the biggest legacy we can leave behind is the impact that we make on our close circle. Our memory can serve as a touchstone to those that we really care about, and leaving them with this is more tangible, and beneficial, than any material possession.

 We get to choose how we live, love, share, hope, care, support, listen,  bolster,  enthuse,  inspire and appreciate.

 We get to provide these pillars to others, free of charge, for their benefit and for our own sense of worth. We would do well to remember to provide them to ourselves to.

 Last night, Someone I love passed, and the void that I feel is wide, as well as heavy. In time, when my anguish passes, I will fill that void with the memories of how they chose to live. Calmly. Gently. Appreciatively. With Care. I will visit the void and let it bolster me – a reminder of Someone who chose to live their life well.

And I will remember that I have that same choice.