Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Life is Fragile

This entry has a tone that is quite different. However, my inspiration came to me at the same speed as any other. I was recently introduced to the emotional story of two college aged females who experienced a tragic mistaken identity at the result of a fatal car accident. A book written by the two families is entitled, Mistaken Identity. Their story was also recently broadcasted by Matt Lauer on the Today Show, as well as appearing on the Oprah Show. I will let you read and feel the story for yourself, so I do not plan to share the details. Here are my feelings.

Life is fragile. Not everyone knows this value at this very moment. On a day to day basis, events unfold for people that are often taken for granted, and or done so with out a moment’s hesitation. I know however that there is a strong ring that my life is built upon that means the world to me, literally. Family, friends, love, joy, feelings, and passion are components that I cherish deeply and have the utmost appreciation for. With in my own life, there have been the expected ups and downs. However, I have stayed true to my essential components. Each memory has been mentally recorded and I am ever thankful of each and every opportunity that my life has presented me with. The loss of a loved one is often coined the most difficult life event for others to respond to. This loss can be a physical loss, a mental loss, an emotional loss, and also the mere death of someone. I feel strongly that people whom I care about deeply deserve to know that their place in my life is of such significance that the thought of them leaving for any reason is beyond my capacity to understand. I value my family and friends for many reasons, many of which are individually significant. Therefore, each person has a uniquely special place in my heart as well as my life.

I know the value of life in my own book. I hold myself accountable to it everyday. And not so surprisingly, if I neglect to identify with it for a day, someone close to me reminds me to do so. This phenomenon is incredible. The internal feeling I have when this happens is like the effect of a light bulb illuminating the world. From the moment I wake up and move through out my day, I reflect on situations I am involved in or experiences I have. My reflections often lead me to the conclusion that I am who I am because of the way I view life, my surroundings and my approach to living. This may not sound so profound, but it is for me because I can speak it, and live it. I am proud of where I am as a result of the many life experiences that I have encountered. I understand that my life is important to me and what is important to me is equally essential to my own life’s happiness. The value I place on the word fragile explains, I hope, how I view the opportunities that I am presented with, as well as the relationships I have.

I relate this entry to a late friend. Her life ended to the surprise of everyone in her family and to her friends. I think of her and how my life has changed as a result of her tragic death. At a young age yet at a critical maturation stage, I along with other close friends experienced the loss of a loved one. Because of the feelings I had during this excruciating period, I was able to grow as an individual. I am ever thankful for the daily life happenings that may not always get the acknowledgement they should because of what was learned as a result of this situation. Forever, I will remember how valuable a life is. Sarah will always have a strong influence on my life and teach me about my future.

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