Fleeting

Since December, I have been touched by the premature deaths of 4 people. These people were friends of friends, people I never even really knew until after the fact. But I heard about, read about, and prayed about each one. Each situation was different - there were two car accidents, cancer, and a very, very serious case of pneumonia. Each person was known to be a strong Christian, created to be unique and special, and they were all parents of young children. I suppose it is this that makes each of their stories hurt my heart so much.

As the mother of young children, one of my worst fears is that something will happen to me before Avery and Nate are grown. I feel their need for me is so great, and I worry about the little things: who would make sure that Avery's hair is brushed every day, and who would teach Nate to sleep in his own bed, and who would teach my children about God's love for them? I know they would eventually recover and thrive. I know that Russ would take over all of the "Mommy jobs" and would find a way to do them that suited the kid's needs. Still...the thought scares me. I don't want to miss out on the opportunity to see my kids grow up, to be a part of their daily lives, to try and impart as much wisdom and love as I possibly can until they won't listen anymore.

The four people who lost their lives will not be forgotten, and their families are in my prayers. Their deaths remind me of how fleeting life really is. We are not promised another day, and so it's up to us (me) to live life to the fullest. My prayer is that I won't forget how precious life is, and to be grateful for each blessed day.