Beauty Among the Ashes
None of us ever knows what a year beholds when the calendar changes to January 1st.
At the start of 2018 when I looked towards the next 12 months, I never would’ve predicted that I would attend seven funerals. It’s been tough to lose dear friends who I love and witness the pain/grief of several of my friends who have lost loved ones.
Only two of these losses were due to an accident and unexpected. The others of these wonderful people fought hard, enduringly terminal illnesses; they had an opportunity to share final memories, express their last sentiments and relay their goodbyes to their loved ones.
In addition to these cherished individuals, my husband and I lost one of our fur-kids, Zoe. Having rescued her more than 11 years ago with several disabilities (including complete deafness and partial-to-eventual blindness,) Zoe taught us so much about pure love, joy and tenacity — against all odds.
The common thread woven is the impact that these souls imprinted on those of us left behind. That is the true beauty that is common in us all — the ability to leave a legacy by infusing a memory or impression on just one other person with our life. We do it in even the smallest of kindnesses, especially when no one is watching.
Experiencing these losses in 2018 has reminded me to see the beauty in the ashes; to appreciate where I am right now.
Life is short; I can only be who I am; love who I can, as I can.
I am a firm believer in the adage that the older I get, presents don’t matter as much as presence. I want to live life to my fullest while I am healthy and can enjoy it. I also want to surround myself with people who “get” me; who I don’t have to apologize for being who I am when I’m around them. (If you know me, then it shouldn’t be a shocker that I prefer puppies to babies and especially screaming 2 year old’s! Love me for who I am, as I am.)
It’s not that I’ve given a lot of thought to my death or funeral but (to get a chuckle) I sometimes joke that I will take a very extended cruise vacation as I age. That way, my family members can just roll me off the ship when I transcend from this world. I’ll skip the middle man in the process!
But IF I decide to have a headstone, I would like it to say “She tried…”
I don’t always get it right. In fact, I often get it very wrong, but I decided a long time ago that I was going to chart my own course and not be afraid of what is on the other side. As Lucille Ball once said: “I would rather regret the things that I have done than the things that I have not.”
It’s part of this big, bold, beautiful life that I’m creating on a minute by minute basis each day. In so doing, I hope to leave my legacy one small impression at a time. I can only wish the same for you in 2019!
BTW — As a sidebar, I have sometimes wondered the origin and meaning of why the term “soul” is utilized in aviation applications. According to an article originally published by the FAA: “The phrase “souls on board” certainly conveys the magnitude of working to keep people safe.” https://www.natca.org/index.php/insider-articles/1572-nov-4-2016-the-mystery-of-souls-on-board